Hey all, it's great to have our own forum! My question: Has anyone had experience in replacing the vinyl strip that is glued (?) to the top of the upper windshield frame. After years (since 1969) :eek: of abrasion from the convertible top (and sunlight) I've decided to replace it at the same time as the windshield glass (which is already removed). I could call a vinyl top repair company (they'd had to come to me, since the car's not driveable)....was wondering what to expect to pay. Or is this something that could be done by an average gearhead...but where to get such a small amount of the right vinyl? Thanks for your suggestions! John from Ann Arbor (MI) nofoolinjn@cs.com

John,

I haven't done it, but I had all the trim off and windshield out on my previous 69 convertible, and it looked like it could be easily done by the average guy. I'm not sure if it really is vinyl top material, but that would probably be pretty close to the right stuff. I think an upholstery or trim shop would sell you a small amount of material. Some good 3M spray adhesive should hold it in place.

I did mine myself. I just went to my favorite trim shop and the guy gave me a strip of material (vinyl like on seats) about a foot wide. It was 'shorter' than the windshield is across, but he said it would 'stretch' to fit. I put contact cement on frame and material, started on the driver's side and sure enough, it was enough to go across. The only 'funny' area is the folds at the ends, but with a little planning it looks better that the original. After all was down and tight, I trimmed with razor. I wouldn't call myself an "interior" kind of guy, but it looks good and has lasted 2 years now without problems.

Hello,

Changed mine last year. Found perfect grain match in JoAnn's fabric store (black). $3 bucks square yard, $6 total cost. The store also had Tan / Blue / Red if I recall. They would be not be perfect color matches to Chevelle interiors but an ideal base to dye using Just Dashes or another dye product.

Had the windshield out so it was a pretty straightforward process. The original was dry and cracking. Peeled it off, cleaned and sanded the header and sprayed with rust elimination / sealer type paint before spraying blue to match the car. Used a basic Contact Cement with sponge applicator. Next time I think I would use a spray contact cement because the liquid / sponge application dries very quickly. The folding at the edges required a little extra cement and stretching to get it looking orginal.

Good luck, Joe