My Winter Project - Hardtop
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
I have been checking some of the vendor websites and can't fine the hardtop vinyl replacement kits. I know I have seen them in the past - the right weight and texture vinyl already cut to fit. Just glue it on. Who makes/sells them?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
like a car cover.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
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From: Van Alstyne, TX
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 3
From: Nixa Missouri
Hi Paul,
No problem with the vinyl material for the way it fit to my knowledge. My top is in great shape but thought I would get one just to have. Willcox told me they'll have the top material around and more then likely wont run out. I've always had a back up on things I do.
They did tell me that the top material they sell is hard to tell from the original once installed.
I have no idea what glue is used to apply the top material.
Give them a call about the material. Sure they will help you out. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Hi Paul,
No problem with the vinyl material for the way it fit to my knowledge. My top is in great shape but thought I would get one just to have. Willcox told me they'll have the top material around and more then likely wont run out. I've always had a back up on things I do.
They did tell me that the top material they sell is hard to tell from the original once installed.
I have no idea what glue is used to apply the top material.
Give them a call about the material. Sure they will help you out. Hope this helps.
No problem with the vinyl material for the way it fit to my knowledge. My top is in great shape but thought I would get one just to have. Willcox told me they'll have the top material around and more then likely wont run out. I've always had a back up on things I do.
They did tell me that the top material they sell is hard to tell from the original once installed.
I have no idea what glue is used to apply the top material.
Give them a call about the material. Sure they will help you out. Hope this helps.
My installer knows the correct glue and techniques to get this job done right. He has done work for me before and is very talented.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Western New York
I've had a hardtop on my '72 for 38 years now, and my recommendation would be to replace the weatherstripping that's between the top and the rear deck lid no matter what shape it looks like it's in. If it's collapsed or squished at all, you will end up ruining the paint on the deck lid. The vinyl strips that the vendors sell to protect the paint do a good job, too, but only if the weatherstripping is in excellent shape. Don't ask me how I know all this.
Duane
Duane
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Looks to be in very good shape - good luck with your project.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I've had a hardtop on my '72 for 38 years now, and my recommendation would be to replace the weatherstripping that's between the top and the rear deck lid no matter what shape it looks like it's in. If it's collapsed or squished at all, you will end up ruining the paint on the deck lid. The vinyl strips that the vendors sell to protect the paint do a good job, too, but only if the weatherstripping is in excellent shape. Don't ask me how I know all this.
Duane
Duane
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
I would not try the vinyl job myself. It is pretty tricky business. I will leave that to a professional.
Did you get the part I sent to you?
TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 144
From: Van Alstyne, TX
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
Glad you got that part! I sent by regular air mail from Canada and you never know.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
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From: Lake Norman, NC
I've had a hardtop on my '72 for 38 years now, and my recommendation would be to replace the weatherstripping that's between the top and the rear deck lid no matter what shape it looks like it's in. If it's collapsed or squished at all, you will end up ruining the paint on the deck lid. The vinyl strips that the vendors sell to protect the paint do a good job, too, but only if the weatherstripping is in excellent shape. Don't ask me how I know all this.
Duane
Duane
Please, DO replace at least the rear weatherstripping when you restore this top. Even if it looks good to you when inspecting, the properties of the material are not what they used to be if not new.
As for deck paint damage from the top being torqued down too tight, realize also that if you don't tighen it down enough, it'll vibrate and rattle, causing a very annoying noise while it wrecks the paint.
Good luck with the rest of this project. I did mine last year (body color). Lots of work, lots of fun and a great looking outcome in the end. You're gonna love it.
Regards,
Don
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
All new hardware is here, plastic deck protector (sturdy but I may add black felt patterned to it given comments here), Al Knoch pre-cut vinyl cover, hardtop carrier, etc. I have an appointment with the vinyl installer next Monday. I may have myself a Christmas present?
The deck hold-down hardware is new. And the front latches have been refurbished. I hope the vinyl installation goes well. If not I will be very disappointed. I did move the SS trims a bit today and they do move. So that is encouraging!
The deck hold-down hardware is new. And the front latches have been refurbished. I hope the vinyl installation goes well. If not I will be very disappointed. I did move the SS trims a bit today and they do move. So that is encouraging!
Last edited by Paul L; Dec 7, 2012 at 08:43 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
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From: North of Toronto - Ontario
It's going to look pretty sharp Paul.
Your gonna have nothing to do now until thaw though...
What kind of a job is it to remove that deflector you run anyway?
I'm going to put a new fuel filter in the carb so I'm hoping to stretch that out until March or so...
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
You are correct about nothing left to do....And that can be annoying: not using the VISA or PayPal for the coming months. But part of this little project was to be my Wife's Christmas present to me. So I hope it comes through. I have new weather stripping etc. to present to her on Christmas morning (for me). OK, that does sound bizarre. But strangely she accepts it. She really enjoys this car.
Watch that fuel filter replacement. But you know the 5/8" and 1" drill. Many people do not.
Last edited by Paul L; Dec 7, 2012 at 09:05 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
I've actually seen the short filter in the long carb more than once. Amazing how someone can take something out and put in a new one that's remarkably different and not notice.
Then again I always cut the filters open to see if/what crud might be in the gas / tank so maybe I just spend more time fondling them than most.
BTW, I was looking for an end of the season wrap-up from you and must have missed your post(?)