Getting closer to installing my vinyl top on my 71 El Camino. Bought a can of 3M "90" adhesive which is supposed to cover 100 sq ft. Do I need a squeegee or any other tools to make sure the top is nice and tight? If anyone has done this, please chime in!
Thanks!!
John

Right off hand, I don't know exactly what 3M "90" is; however, you should use the 3M Super Trim Adhesive as opposed to the General Trim Adhesive. Of the numbered 3M products, I believe "77" is the equivilent of the Super Trim Adhesive.

No special tools are needed. Lay the vinyl out flat for 2-3 hours in the sun before installation to allow the wrinkles to relax. Do not stretch the vinyl to get a tight fit. There will be some shrinkage after installation. If you have stretched it, there is a high risk that it will pull away from the edges/trim moldings. During installation, go slowly and rub the wrinkles out with your hand. If there are very minor wrinkle impressions left, they should all smooth out in a few days in the sun.

If there is any trimming required DO NOT do it on the car. This can lead to premature rusting where the blade can cut the paint and allow moisture to get under the paint. Good Luck http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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[This message has been edited by ACE841 (edited 10-02-2002).]

Great info Thanks a bunch!! When I spray on the adhesive. Should I spray it all on at once or, small areas at a time?
Thanks!
John

I prefer to spray the glue on small areas at a time. That lessens the risk of inadvertent sticking in the wrong place. BTW, spray both the roof and the vinyl and allow it to become tacky before putting it in place.

ACE841 makes a good point about care in trimming; however, proper trimming can't be done off the car. The trick is to do the trimming without cutting the paint. I can assure you from personal experience that a tiny scratch into the paint with the razor blade or whatever trim tool you use will result in a rust bubble within a few months. Mark a line where you need to cut and hold the edge of the vinyl up slightly so that the cutting edge won't contact the paint.

Mark centers of the car and the vinyl top material. Next, line up centers and tape 1/2 side in place to avoid shifting. Flip one half over the other to expose the underside of the material. Work with 1/2 at a time. When applying the adhesive, use nice even coat on both vehicle and material. Let adhesive tack up. Then slowly roll the material on to the car, starting in the center and working out. Then repeat on the other half.

Make sure the material is long enough to cover the molding studs. When you are ready to trim, cut a + shape over each of the studs and remove the excess material.
Next, install the molding clips onto the studs.
This will hold your vinyl top in place from shrinking.
Then you are ready to install the chrome.

Hope this helps. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif
Dot

Awesome!! Thank you all for your responses... Will let you know how it turns out...
John

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- John -
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WCA Member

Dot,

I assume that placement of 1/2 of the vinyl top and working it is from the middle of the roof towards the driver and pass sides instead of towards the windshield and rear window. Seems like it would be easier that way...

Will be doing this soon. How long should I wait to apply the vinyl top after paint is applied to the rooftop? There has been previous discussion here on whether the rooftop should be painted or just primered and then applying the vinyl. I prefer to primer and paint it for obvious reasons....

[This message has been edited by Super70 (edited 10-03-2002).]

Yes, it is towards both sides, not front to back. Sorry, should have been a little clearer with my answer.

I agree there should be paint, not just primer. Any moisture can soak into the primer and paint will seal it much better.

My guess is if it is freshly painted, to wait til the paint cures...about 6 weeks.
Same as curing before waxing new paint.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dot:
Mark centers of the car and the vinyl top material. Next, line up centers and tape 1/2 side in place to avoid shifting.Dot<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I know this thread is rather old, but still i have to add something to it, i know some people will find this thread searching for vinyl top installation tips.
If you mark the center of the roof and top, DO NOT USE a felt-tip!! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif Been there done that... Sheesh... The adhesive will pull the felt-tip color through the vinyl and you wil have the marks on the outside...
Bummer.
Also, USE THE RIGHT GLUE! 3M Vinyl Trim Adhesive. PERIOD! You are only doing yourself a favour with it. I used normal 3M Adhesive (Super Something) and the result was, uhm, kinda like http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif. The vinyl didn't stay flat around the corners. Then i got myself a different glue and the glue worked great. BIIIG difference, so don't save here, get the right glue in the first place.
I have read some questions about using POR under vinyl tops. I have to get something straight. When using the right glue, POR will be perfect! Someone on a different thread said that the glue needs a smooth surface (like paint). I say it's the other way round, the glue needs something to adhere to. So POR is a good way to do it. I have done it and will do it again. (You know i have to get rid of those marks http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif )
Check my site for pictures.

Laters all
Olli

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