78 Cutlass Supreme vinyl roof...

[maximus84]

My 78 Cutty needs its partial vinyl roof repaired...its totally shot.Is there a kit supplied to do a complete repair? But,I guess since I've havent tried it before,having an upholsterer might be more expensive but worth it? Has anyone had this done? :?: Thanks

 

[dan2286]

That is something you would want to have an upholster do to make it look good. Since they tend to cause serious rust issues, most people just take them off completely. I am pretty sure taking it off takes some work to make it look good also, so either way it will most likely not be easy.

 

[maximus84]

That is something you would want to have an upholster do to make it look good. Since they tend to cause serious rust issues, most people just take them off completely. I am pretty sure taking it off takes some work to make it look good also, so either way it will most likely not be easy.

So,R U saying converting from a partial vinyl roof to a complete hardtop is the same or not much more than just having the vinyl redone? I realize it'll have to be painted to match,but my paint needs work too.I may fix it up enough to sell it,at this point,because my interior fabric I just noticed is "brittle" enough now to start ripping easily,too 😢

 

[pontiacman469]

Once you pull the roof off,i think you'll find the sheet metal is un-finished.lazy way.you'll have to grind the rivits and do some good metal work to make it a true hardtop😛ossible but PIA.

 

[maximus84]

Once you pull the roof off,i think you'll find the sheet metal is un-finished.lazy way.you'll have to grind the rivits and do some good metal work to make it a true hardtop😛ossible but PIA.

Sounds like I may just go ahead & rip it off,sand it down,epoxy primer it,& have someone replace the vinyl. Thanks!

 

[dudeface]

myself I would try to stick with the vinyl..........so many cars are changed from factory. engine and drivetrain aside, always best to KEEP IT STOCK
or at least keep it what you coulda ordered stock

peace

 

[maximus84]

It was a light blue,& the paint is a med. dark metallic blue. I think I'll get the vinyl in dark blue,too

 

[Blake442]

If your car needs paint, then don't bother fixing your vinyl top. Remove it, paint your car, and then have the top replaced by a professional. Doing things in the correct order will save you time, money, and headaches.

 

[maximus84]

If your car needs paint, then don't bother fixing your vinyl top. Remove it, paint your car, and then have the top replaced by a professional. Doing things in the correct order will save you time, money, and headaches.

You mean so they dont paint the new vinyl too? :lol: Yeah,I'm hoping the paint may be able to be brought back by a pro buff job...we'll see. If not,I will get an "inexpensive" paint job,then vinyl.

 

[Blake442]

Not as much so they don't paint the vinyl, but so they can get paint underneath the trim so you don't have an unsightly tape line along your molding. It's best to get it off of there and repair any rot that may be hiding under it. Don't plan on being able to buff the car out. More than likely that old laquer paint is so dried out and cracked, you'll end up buffing through it before you are able to get a good shine out of it. Sometimes it'll come around, but more often than not, you'll have a bunch of spots where the primer is showing through.