hardtop vinal question
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Before you take the plunge, what kind of shape is it in? An original optional top with vinyl (especially the white one) is worth more than a standard painted one, so it would be a shame to lose that. I'm not a NCRS purist, but you might be able to trade for a nice painted one...
Hans
Hans
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
From: Pinellas Park FL
its any origional Black vinal top that came with the car. It needs a restoration. The headliner is warped and the moldings need to be replaced. The rear glass is dated correctly and is tinted like the resto of the glass in the car. The car is not original so it doesnt matter to me. I want to be able to run the hardtop in the fall and early spring.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
I did this to my car, first remove the stainless trim, the back corner pieces are pop riveted in so you will need to drill them out. Then just grab a loose edge of the vinal and pull it off. It will come off realitivly easy. After that just clean it up, the glue that is. You may use some fiberglass safe paint stripper, or just wet sand. I don't like to use stripper on glass (it just makes a mess that you have to clean up) so I always wet sand. I enjoy getting lost in the mindless work. Wet sanding is perfect for removing the glue as the paper will clogg less, I would start with 150 grit, and finish with 220.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 546
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From: Pinellas Park FL
Thanks everyone for your posts. After looking at some pictures I think im going to keep the black vinal. To much white when it is all painted. The black roof on an all white car really breaks it up.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 546
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From: Pinellas Park FL
Originally Posted by conway62
Thanks everyone for your posts. After looking at some pictures I think im going to keep the black vinal. To much white when it is all painted. The black roof on an all white car really breaks it up.
Well after all the debate in restored the hardtop with new weatherstrip, headliner etc. I came out great. The only thing is after cleaning the top i notices severa spots on the vinyl. Im assuming they are dry spots or something is on the roof that needs to be really cleaned. Can anyone recommend a good cleaning method or vinyl renewing product that will clean the top well without hurting it?