Replacing vinyl to with?

[kewpie79]

I have seen other sites where people have used herculiner, rhino lining, chip guard or textured paint in place of an actual vinyl top. Has anyone done this? It would be a cheap alternative. Any thoughts?

 

[silent_orchestra]

I wouldn't do it.... If you want cheap just ditch the top. Don't cover it in bed liner...

I would just save up some $$$ and have it redone.. Do it right the 1st time and you'll be happier in the end. Or you could cover it in bedliner, decide you don't like it, and have a wonderful time trying to get it off.

 

[kewpie79]

doing some more searches, I have seen other cars using vinyl "wrap" on their cars. Could be a solid color or a wild design instead of the landau roof.

 

[silent_orchestra]

I'm not to sure about vinyl wraps either... I don't see paying $100-$200 for something that only lasts a year or so.... But then again it's not my car...

 

[Phoenyx]

Get some sheets of scrap sheet metal and try some of those things. That way you can see what it will look like and how the texture will be before you put it on your car. You can also experiment with different materials, different ways to apply... untill you find something that you will like.

I was considering the same thing on my Bonneville. But then I found this Malibu (no vinyl top), so I don't have to worry about it anymore.

But if you roof is pretty straight, I would suggest ditching the vinyl and just paint it. But it's your car, your call.

 

[kustomkyle]

Old Mopars (60's-70's) had textured paint put on some cars instead of vinyl tops at dealers. It turns out it lasted longer than the vinyl top equipped cars and the roofs didn't rot out because the paint didn't trap moisture. I thought about doing to my car eventually, but G-bodies are all usually equipped with the padded type landau vinyl roofs. It wouldn't look right with just paint.