vinyl roof - keep it or not?

Even when these cars were new (yes I'm that old!) I thought the vinyl covered hardtop roof idea was cheezy. Since I'm about to tear into the body on our 68 GS tribute car soon, I have the decision to either keep it intact or strip it all off and paint the whole thing.

The car isn't original (started as a standard 350 Skylark) and the top itself is in top shape. Aside from my personal opinion just shared, and the extra work involved, what sacrilage am I committing by scraping it off and painting?

Any opinions either way?

 

IMHO, no sacrilege as I have removed a vinyl top in the past. However, in a number of case, the factory never finished the roof seams on cars that were to have the top. Sometimes, they never even painted the whole top and just left it in primer. :spank:
So, be prepared to have to smooth out the roof seams where the quarters were attached and repair any rust that may have happened.

 

Yeah, I've read about the corners they cut in the factory in applying the vinyl without any coating like paint. This is likely a big part of why these cars rusted so bad at the rear window, leaked into the trunk and destroyed so many cars. Lucky with this car, the metal there is all pristine, no bubbles or crunchiness. I think this vinyl roof was replaced with the first restoration 10+ yrs ago.

Just my opinion, again, but I don't think a self-respecting muscle car should have a vinyl roof. Kinda like Hulk Hogan wearing lipstick.

Now, if that don't get responses, I don't know what will. :Brow:

 

They are period corrrect and add a touch of class to your car as you blow away the comp. Poor mans cars did not have vinyl and make it more like a Chevy. Just one man's opinion.

 

I hear you, Dave. The vinyl covered roofs are a mark of the times I suppose. If there's no need such as rust or sun damage, like this car, i guess I'll keep it as installed.

I just get hung up on cheap design elements that clearly have no purpose other than to make something appear to be something it is not. (don't worry, though - my "GS tribute" project is the real deal, or as close as I can get without fudging the VIN)

 

:gp:

 

I vote to keep the vinyl... adds class :beers2:

 

Lose the vinyl top to me they make it look like a convertible top when it's up and convertibles look sweat top down.It's your car do to it what makes you happy.
Jamie

 

Keep the top
Its like a white belt and matching shoes had to be there at the time.

 

I'm wresting with this right now myself. To keep or not to keep...that is the question.

It seems like it will be a lot of work either way. My neighbor keeps suggesting to me to put all the trim back on and paint the top a different color...which seems pretty cheesy to me. I already bought the new top from year one so I guess Ill use it. If I don't Ill have to smooth out the corners on the top and there seems to be a pretty large gap in the top corners of the front windshield that would have to filled in and smoothened out. Really seems like more work to remove.

I say keep it...really makes the car stand out. (That's how I feel today any way...I may change my mind again before it's all done!!)

 

mine originally had the vinyl ...but I am planning
to go non vinyl counting on what color I paint it .

Longevity wise I believe they are moisture collectors
for the window channels

I can always vinyl it later if I chose to .

yes it does adds some class but I will also have
front and rear spoiler and a hood tach and imo it
makes the cars look longer/sleeker without vinyl

 

No issue if it's garage kept though.

 

If you're not worried about originality, then no question, remove the vinyl top.:beer

 

What's the color combo...it makes a difference. Ultimately it's what looks good to you...this is America:laugh:

 

I've seen plenty of Buicks with the vinyl roof trim, but painted instead. Personally, I like the way the 2-tone look. I have a 66 T-Bird like that and I'll be going this route with a 67 Mustang as well...

 

Keep it. I think that the 70s A bodies all looked good with vinyl tops and they are period correct. Back in the day almost every Skylark or GS that I saw had a vinyl top. I think that the full vinyl tops look best. My current Skylark had the "Hallo" top when I got it. I had the old top removed and had the studs that held the trim removed. I liked the look without the top but within a few months I had a full vinyl top put back on.

 

Like he said. Could not imagine my car without it.

 

vinyl is final.

 

If it's in great shape, I say keep it.

 

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. My car will keep the black color and, thanks to your advice, the black vinyl covering.