Ok, I am planning on putting a black vinyl top on my 68. I see on Yearone that there are two types; Standard and Premium. As far as I can see, the premium does not cover the deck filler panel? Anyone have much experience with vinyl tops? Where do you recommend ordering from? And finally, how hard are they to install?

One more thing, is the vinyl piece molded to conform to the contours of a coupe roof and pillars?

I know you will have to weld in the little trim posts that I just got done grinding off on mine smile.gif Make sure you seal that roof well when I took my top off it was covered in rust! The pad collects water and the water sits under there forever rusting your nice roof. Don't mean to scare you, just wanted to let you know. ;)

I think you will find that the difference between standard and premium is only the weight(thickness) and quality of the vinyl. The fit and installation should be identical.

None of the replacement vinyl roofs are "molded" to fit. They are cut to a very general shape, then you must trim it to the exact fit when installing it.

I actually plan on doing the roof with about 3 or 4 coats of POR15 then taping, then spraying the remainder of the body, then applying the top. Thanks guys! This gives me a better idea of what my next move will be! graemlins/beers.gif

Instead of a vinyl top what would be the pros and cons of using Rhino bed liner for the top instead? was just wondering. would this be a good thing or a bad thing to do? or was this foolish question to ask? Thanks (now i'll brace myself for the replies) Joe

Rhino bed liner......hmmmmmm :rolleyes:
It's something to think about and no more fear of hail :D

Clarke68, you would only need 1 coat of POR-15. It is not meant to be applied in coats like you were planning, in fact, I think they recommend you do not apply POR-15 over POR-15. I think the POR-15 under the vinyl top is a great idea. Be sure to follow the application instructions. Prep properly. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Already on it bro! I have a gallon of the rust neutralizer on hand at all times. Still, how hard are these things to put on? If I can't do it myself then its not getting done with my car... graemlins/beers.gif

Originally posted by SkredSS:
Instead of a vinyl top what would be the pros and cons of using Rhino bed liner for the top instead? was just wondering. would this be a good thing or a bad thing to do? or was this foolish question to ask? Thanks (now i'll brace myself for the replies) Joe No need to brace yourself...In the 60s and early 70s when vinyl tops were at their peak of popularity, it was common to see sprayed-on, faux vinyl tops. It was just a version of the stuff used for gravel guard. Rhino and other spray-on bedliners are another generational improvement over those things.

The problem with doing that today would be the trim moldings and making them look/fit right.

Originally posted by Clark68:
Already on it bro! I have a gallon of the rust neutralizer on hand at all times. Still, how hard are these things to put on? If I can't do it myself then its not getting done with my car... graemlins/beers.gif Clarke, I hope you are not planning on applying POR-15 over rust neutralizer graemlins/sad.gif . POR-15 is intended to paint over rust. Give the rusty surface a quick scrub with a wire brush and prep as indicated by the POR procedures and then apply the one coat of POR.
Sorry, but I can't help you with the vinyl top installation.

no not neutralizer in the aspect of that black spray stuff... neutralizer as in the metal etch that POR15 makes to treat the rust prior to application. You know, the acid type stuff that turns rust white.