Just had a vinyl top put on, and it is different from the original. Guy that put the top on said there were two different styles of tops for this car. Kinda my fault that I didn't ask, but I thought there was only one style of top. Of course he didn't ask me about it when I took it in either......I really liked the other style better, so I might be having him peel this one off! Tell me what you think.
Do you mean the grain of the material surface is different? I doubt there were 2 types from the factory.
I think it looks kind of nice. Almost like a lter model "luxury" Buick. However, like David, I don't remember two styles of vinyl either. o No:
I think he means the later (??)style of vinyl top which had a small painted area between the roofrail trim and the vinyl top on the side. Don't remember what it was called, don't like it. Picture looks good to me. Seems like a decent install. Nice color combo. later Tim
you wouldn't think the guy would change it though, without consulting with the owner. then again... o No:
The shop is a quality shop. I think a lot of these shops don't keep up on what type of top goes on what type of vehicle. When was the last time you saw a complete vinyl top on a newer production car? Sometimes you have to lead them if you want specific parts installed expecially on older equipment.... I think the car had no top on it when it went to the shop as the car was recently painted but maybe steve can enlighten us.
Now that I think about it, the trim would be different too...so curious to what happened there... (although if they ditched the inner trim it would still use the 'regular" vinyl roof trim around the outer edge?) later Tim
That is the wrong (for 1970) grain pattern for the vinyl top. They used an Elk grain pattern when the Pebble grain pattern is what should have been used.
It didn't have a vinyl top on it when I brought it in. Phil is right, the quality is top notch, I just assumed there was only one kind of grain for this vinyl top. I wanted to see what everybody else thought first, if and/or before I take it back. Steve
That doesn't look like any elk(s) I have seen! On the other hand Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdon was in its heyday back then so maybe Marlin Perkins gave GM his endorsement or was a consultant to GM. Patton
I agree, the quality looks excellent. Same as the repro top on my 68, I think it looks better than pebble grain. BTW, should the 68 also be pebble grain?
Guys, The top that is pictured is definately "elk" grain, which is used for newer cars. The true name for the 70 original vinyl top material is "Levant" grain. If you don't care about the different grain, then I would leave it alone. Duane
I'm gonna go the opposite route. Take it back and have him make it right. Just looks "wrong" to me to have that late-model grain.
I agree While it looks nice, a "quality" upholsterer should have known what types of vinyl was used over the years. I am having the interior of my Centurion done now, and my upholsterer has called me in several time to check grains and color. You paid to have it done right! Have it done right!! I am a little more picky than some, ok most - but if I spot something that incorrect on a car, chances are I will pass it by and not give it a 2nd look no matter how nice the car is. And that's not meant to be a personal attack on you or your car. While I would never say anything out loud at a show, you WILL have the idiots that will walk past it at a show and loadly proclaim "That Top is Wrong" Again, get what you paid for.
