Has anyone tried to do their own vinyl top? I have a 69 chevelle and I bought the top but it looks like it should be stretched when glued on. I never did one before and was woundering if I should try it or not. Are there special tools required to stretch it on? Any tips will be helpful-thanks

My God, don't even think about it!

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Wes. Vann
Technical Reference & Wagons sections
Gold Member #5

From what I've seen over the years, there are clips that are welded into the roof that are needed for the top. It's a terrible job to remove one, hate to think about putting one on. Might check with a local detail shop, these guys sometimes are up on this and don't charge a fortune. tom

I did one on a 69 Camaro a couple of years ago and it came out great, it still looks good. Just do one side at a time and go slow, Follow the directions closely on the adhesive.
Ron

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70 Chevelle SS396, 71 Z28-RS, 95 Z28 Convertible. Aces 3081, TC #54 Gold

Leave it to the pros, it's a hard, dirty job.

I did one on an 87 caprice. It turned out real good. Make sure the contact glue dries according the the directions before putting the material on, and make sure you have a heat gun.

I have installed two vinyl tops. Both turned out great. Take you time and follow directions. I believe there are some directions posted in the archive.

Vinyl roof covers enhance the appearance of an automobile, but often, these vehicles are mistreated. Over the years, rust is a common problem, especially rust holes that are the size of a quarter.

Whenever old vinyl tops are replaced, the roof section is often replaced in conjunction with the top. This is a nightmare, and whenever looking for a used car, I always avoid vinyl tops, since this is a costly repair, and repairs would be worth more than the cost of the vehicle.

Whenever replacing the vinyl top, always prep the sheetmetal with an anti-rust inhibitor, like POR 15, and maintain the appearance with a vinyl compound.

Most of the salvage yard vehicles that I often locate will have a vinyl top, and rippin' off the roof cover reveals a disgusting and gross sight when rust holes are present.

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Weyoun X (the tenth clone)
descendant of a former Chevelle owner

http://www.angelfire.com/tx/lonestarclassics/acar.html

1969 Chevelle Memories Page
http://members.tripod.com/~seributra_d/time_and_memories.htm

Chevelles (and A-cars) On Screen
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/5196/a_car.html

Disco-Era Classics
http://homepages.go.com/~55498/hooptie.htm

I'm thinking of trying this myself, and it looks like quite a job! The archive divides the job into 5 parts and explains part 4 in detail; I wonder if anyone would like to fill in the gaps? Good luck Joe.
--Brian

it was one of the easiest things I ever did to my Regal. There is like 12 pieces of trim to remove without bending or breaking, probably about 50 clips of various sizes that are hard to get and easy to break. You have to be careful not to scratch the paint or get the glue any where you don't want it or tear the new top and for sure don't get the seams crooked. My secret to success was to take it to the upholstry shop. Cost $239 total. Looks good and comes with a waranty. And I was free to do something I was better qualified for. (Took a nap)

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Philip Valentine
Team Chevelle Member #42 GOLD
philip@chevelles.com