[Rob B]

I finally installed the vinyl top on my 70 GTO this weekend. This is something I was debating on doing myself for a while and decided to go for it. It is definitely something that takes some time and a lot of measuring and fitting before you start and can scare you once or twice along the way. The main thing that you need to do is get a centerline on the vinyl top and then on the roof of the car in order to line the top up left to right. Once you get that and position the top front to back where the A pillar seam should go, take a deep breath and start gluing. This is not a job to do by yourself, I had my son and Carole helping me with this when it came time to lay the material down and I wouldn't suggest trying it by yourself unless your a pro, I am not.
All and all I am more than happy with the results. I ended up being a tad off left to right on the seams but unless you where to stand there and measure it (like I did over and over again), you wouldn't know. A heat gun is a definite must when it comes to the corners in the window wells and around the front A pillars! When I was at the Co-vention, one thing I was looking at was how even other tops where and was a little surprised how off alot of them where so that definitely eased my mind in doing this myself. However, this is a project that if you have the funds to pay an experienced trim shop or individual to install, I think I would next time but if your limited financially don't be afraid to give it a go, just use common sense and take your time.
The picts show the process as I went along. Basically lining up and measuring the center line, fitting the top, working from one side to the other and the crucial trimming it out. I still left the sides long until I finish installing the trim later this week.

[Rob B]

Here's some more. Pictures 3 and 4 show how I trimmed the drip rails and placed the vinyl down behind the window trim clips. I basically V notched them and tucked it down behind the clip

[Rob B]

Hopefully I 'll get the trim all on later this week. I ended up spending about 8hrs in all total doing it but alot of it was measuring and hesitating.

[geogolfx]

Looks great !

[Rustie]

Originally Posted by Rob B

Hopefully I 'll get the trim all on later this week. I ended up spending about 8hrs in all total doing it but alot of it was measuring and hesitating.

Eight hours my ass!

He worked on this on Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm and then again from 5 until after midnight. Then on Sunday, he got up at 9 am and worked on it until noon. Seems more like 16 hours to me, but what do i know...

[66Post]

You probably saved your self at least $400. Buy yourself a decent beer, great job.

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by 66Post

You probably saved your self at least $400. Buy yourself a decent beer, great job.

I see why someone would get that kind of money to install them! I do know what NOT to do next time!

[2manyponchos]

Looking good Rob!

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by 2manyponchos

Looking good Rob!

Now come on down and install my drip rail moldings for me!!! I'll feed ya and buy the beer!
I'm scared of those things to! The guy I bought the car from spent $600 in having all the stainless trim straighten and polished for this car and I'm afraid to screw them up!! There that nice!

[2manyponchos]

If you don't want to use your nice $600 stainless...I'll trade for some of my used junk! You don't need to be scared about scratching it =).

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by 2manyponchos

If you don't want to use your nice $600 stainless...I'll trade for some of my used junk! You don't need to be scared about scratching it =).

Throw in the dash and we can talk!

[2002Z4CSS]

Great job! I used to help a guy at the Olds dealer I worked at install vinyl tops. This dealer I worked for did not order accessories from the factory but has us install anything he could make a buck from.

[1971GTO]

Great job!,

Maybe a little slow and painstking to do it correctly/best way, but it builds confidence. Mine took about that long with my older boy's help holding.

So, why do I hear alotta' folks generally frown on putting back on a vinyl top?; nice contrast to any body color to me!

Longevity issues?

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by 1971GTO

Great job!,

Maybe a little slow and painstking to do it correctly/best way, but it builds confidence. Mine took about that long with my older boy's help holding.

So, why do I hear alotta' folks generally frown on putting back on a vinyl top?; nice contrast to any body color to me!

Longevity issues?

I like it on this car, helps set it off better. Mine will always be garaged so longevity really wouldn't be an issue. Maybe it's just the cost of putting a top back on? I bought the correct material/grain/lustre top from SMS and there not cheap compared to a universal one. Excellent quality though! So maybe that and the cost of having it put on detracts people from reinstalling them???
If I ever do another top, I bet I could almost cut the time in half. I loligagged around alot while getting ready to install it also.

[critter]

Vinyl tops rock! Good job.

If your car was setting outside all the time in the weather it might be an issue. Mine doesn't so the top stays.

[hpp]

Looks really good! Job well done. I was to nervous to install my vinly top so I had the trim shop do it. Although I did do all the body and paint.

[goathead455]

What type of glue did you use?

[Rob B]

Originally Posted by goathead455

What type of glue did you use?

3M super Trim Adhesive part# ending in 090 NOT 088 (general trim adhesive). I used 2 full cans and a small part of a third one.

[Rob B]

Finally able to take a couple picts of the finished top with all the moldings back on and the rear window area fixed where the bodyshop didn't test fit the moldings after putting a patch in the passenger sail panel!! I'm happy with the results.

[2manyponchos]

Pepper Green! SWEET!