• Welcome to the CaliforniaSpecial.com forums! - You are currently viewing the forums as a GUEST. To take advantage of all our site features, please take a moment to join our community! It's fast, simple and absolutely free.

    If you have problems registering or can't log into your account, please contact Admin.

    Please Note: If you are an existing member and your password no longer works, click here to reset it.

Rust Under Vinyl Top

Redwingrobb

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
180
Mornin', looking to replace my white top with another one. Any good leads on reasonbly priced tops? Also, anything special I need to do to prep the roof before I put the top back on so I don't end up in this same situation 5 years from now? Robb
 
OP
OP
Redwingrobb

Redwingrobb

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
180
I haven't taken off the top yet, but it's bubbling only along the driver's and passenger's sides below the seams. Middle areas seems to be okay.
 

robert campbell

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
4,322
Sometimes it is a bit of moisture that will go away if it gets in the sun!! Better if the top is black!

I did my own vinyl top on my car. The cost of the top is cheap, the labor to install another thing. First you need to push out both the windshield and the rear window. Having the trim on the rain gutter is next. That trim is easy to damage and a bear to put back on. Also remove the inner panels to get at the nuts that hold the trim strip on at the bottom of the c pillar.

The prep is nothing more than good rust control (removal) and a good primer paint that is moisture resistive. I have done a bunch of headliners also. The glue for a headline is the same glue I use for a vinyl top. It is slow react, dry, and hold. Very forgiving if you want to pull back up and reposition. You start by marking the center and folding the vinyl top in half across the top of one side. You put glue on about 1 foot from center on the top and one foot from center on the side folder over. Let sit for about 30 seconds and fold the glued area onto the top as you lay that complete side onto the roof. Fold the other side over the one glued and glue about one foot from center on the vinyl top and the roof. Fold it down on to the roof and you have 2 feet glued. Now fold the other side back over and do another foot. Work from the center out back and forth and soon you are gluing the c pillar and front pillar.

Viola, the top is down. Glue into the window areas that hold the window gaskets. Glue to the roof rails and overlap onto the stainless trim area. Gut to fit under the trim strips on the bottom of the c pillar. Install the windows with new gaskets and your done.....

A lot of work but doable. I had a professional do the window installation.

Rob
 
OP
OP
Redwingrobb

Redwingrobb

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
180
Thanks Rob. I hope it's as simple as surface rust. Bumps under the vinyl concern me a bit and I hope there's no holes. If that's the case, I may take it in and let a body shop work with it..
 

franklinair

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
4,744
If the rust is superficial, I have treated the surface with Ospho. It kills the rust. You might try painting the roof surface with POR-15 (I think NPD carries it, or Eastwood) if it will not hinder the glueing process.
 
Top