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Thread: Vinyl Top Replacement

  1. #1
    Club Supporter Uncle Buck's Avatar
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    Vinyl Top Replacement

    My 66 needs to have the vinyl top replaced due to some rust that is starting. A dozen or so bumps can be felt in one area of the roof. I don't want to leave too much longer.

    It's quite a job. Lots of fragile stainless trim to remove and both front and rear windows need to come out. It needs to be done by a shop that knows old cars.

    Some options out there

    Legendary Motorcar - Halton
    Radical Rides and Restoration - Barrie
    Fawcett Motorcar Carriage Company - Whitby

    I also have a contact through a friend that restores Cougars. He's does upholstery and vinyl tops but not body work so if any metal work would be needed, he'd need to sub it out.

    Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    Club Supporter FABMAN's Avatar
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    Perhaps this is your opportunity to remove the vinyl top altogether and prevent further damage from moisture getting trapped under it? Then you only need to deal with a trusted body shop for the fix.
    FABMAN

  3. #3
    Admin ZR's Avatar
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    It's my understanding bulk of the vinyl top rust issues are caused by it being installed over bare metal or poorly done primer.
    As for where to repair, old time body shop would be well versed in how to deal with stripping, repair and preparing surface for a proper install.

  4. #4
    Club Supporter Uncle Buck's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FABMAN View Post
    Perhaps this is your opportunity to remove the vinyl top altogether and prevent further damage from moisture getting trapped under it? Then you only need to deal with a trusted body shop for the fix.
    Permenant removal is an option but I've grown attached to the look of it. I think ZR is correct that future rust can be prevented with proper prep and modern materials.

    The current one lasted 25 years so I can't complain.

    Vinyl tops are not for everyone but I think they are classy and really suit this era of coupes.

    IMG_2706.JPG

    IMG_1444.JPG

  5. #5
    Club Supporter Uncle Buck's Avatar
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    Sadly these bumps require destroying a perfect condition top, pulling the front and rear glass, all the stainless, rain guard trim and possibly a headliner. So sad...

    Attachment 23633

  6. #6
    Admin ZR's Avatar
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  7. #7
    Admin ZR's Avatar
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    Drip rail n window trim is the tricky part.

  8. #8
    Club Supporter FABMAN's Avatar
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    If the end goal is to replace with another vinyl top then perhaps it is worth the trip to Bradford and visit a restoration house like the guild. They have dealt with these repairs for decades but I would imagine they will be on the pricier side.

    https://www.guildclassiccars.com/
    FABMAN

  9. #9
    Admin ZR's Avatar
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    The Guild, ummmm, hard no (yes inside info).

  10. #10
    Club Supporter hammerhead's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ZR View Post
    The Guild, ummmm, hard no (yes inside info).
    I fully agree with Rick on this...stay away!!!
    1979 Pace Car 302 4spd
    1981 Cobra t-top option - power to be determined, in the works

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