Proper Vinyl Top Replacement Advice Needed - 1973 Newport Custom

[The_Swoose]

I don't see any nasty-looking rust on the underside yet. The panel interiors look solid still! Has this thick black truck bed liner-like coating on a lot of stuff. Thoughts?

 

[The_Swoose]

The worst I could find was in the engine bay. The original owner had a radiator cap recently blow off. I guess some rust in the radiator line. Maybe time for a flush?

 

[The_Swoose]

let's hope this isn't a terrible sign?

Radiator flush time.

 

[cbarge]

let's hope this isn't a terrible sign?

Radiator flush time.

View attachment 645752

Check the trans fluid. Make sure there is no coolant mixing with it.
If so, the trans cooler at the bottom of the rad may have failed.
If the coolant is that dirty as shown, knock out the freeze plugs to really flush her out. You will need new freeze plugs to do this.
Just guessing at this point.
Hope it helps.

 

[The_Swoose]

Check the trans fluid. Make sure there is no coolant mixing with it.
If so, the trans cooler at the bottom of the rad may have failed.
If the coolant is that dirty as shown, knock out the freeze plugs to really flush her out. You will need new freeze plugs to do this.
Just guessing at this point.
Hope it helps.

Transmission fluid looks nice and red on the dip stick. Nothing weird so far. I didn't even think about that being a possible issue!

 

[cbarge]

Transmission fluid looks nice and red on the dip stick. Nothing weird so far. I didn't even think about that being a possible issue!

Process of elimination,lol.
Being that dirty, do a reverse flow flush on the heater core as part of your coolant system flush.

 

[mopar preferred]

I 'd not put fluid film in the trunk, it will get on any luggage, etc you use.
Don't want to ruin her outfits!
Paint would be better in that case.

 

[The_Swoose]

SMS on top, Legendary on bottom.

Legendary looks to be the winner! I hope their wait times are better, I hear awful stuff about SMS.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Only thing I would add is, I would paint under the new top with real automotive paint/hardener and all. This seals against moisture very well for a long time, primer not as much. You must let paint cure before you glue your new top to it, the adhesive will lift uncured paint, ask me how I know this. It takes paint approximately 30 days to cure in ambient air with 60-70 degree temp, can be speeded up with heat or sunlight/hot days.
For applying it 3M super trim adhesive spray. Draw a line down the exact center of your roof front to back and same on underside of the vinyl top. A cross line at front and back window edges for, for and aft placement can be added during test fitting. Then fold it in half along the line, put plastic or masking paper between folded halves and spray car roof and top evenly, but not thick and goopy, leave the pillars unglued for now. Then let it set up for 5-10 min (you want the adhesive to dry a bit, not wet and runny), then matching up the lines start rolling it over onto roof center out. Then reverse for other side. Then if you have it laid down nice glue the pillers the same way, do one at a time.
Good luck, they are not as hard as people have you believe.

 

[The_Swoose]

Only thing I would add is, I would paint under the new top with real automotive paint/hardener and all. This seals against moisture very well for a long time, primer not as much. You must let paint cure before you glue your new top to it, the adhesive will lift uncured paint, ask me how I know this. It takes paint approximately 30 days to cure in ambient air with 60-70 degree temp, can be speeded up with heat or sunlight/hot days.
For applying it 3M super trim adhesive spray. Draw a line down the exact center of your roof front to back and same on underside of the vinyl top. A cross line at front and back window edges for, for and aft placement can be added during test fitting. Then fold it in half along the line, put plastic or masking paper between folded halves and spray car roof and top evenly, but not thick and goopy, leave the pillars unglued for now. Then let it set up for 5-10 min (you want the adhesive to dry a bit, not wet and runny), then matching up the lines start rolling it over onto roof center out. Then reverse for other side. Then if you have it laid down nice glue the pillers the same way, do one at a time.
Good luck, they are not as hard as people have you believe.

Excellent tips! Did you remove your front and rear windows before applying the roof?

 

[tbm3fan]

Excellent tips! Did you remove your front and rear windows before applying the roof?

I only remove the chrome mouldings and left the windows. My guy had no problem and said he could do it just fine.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Excellent tips! Did you remove your front and rear windows before applying the roof?

I did, but had a broken windshield and I had rust repair in the channels front and back.