Vinyl to hardtop conversion

[B-Rode]

My '70 Sport Fury currently has a temporary coating on the roof in place of a vinyl top. I could either get the vinyl re-done or possibly convert it into a hardtop (which I would slightly prefer). I know that in theory it's possible, but I'm not sure on the specifics. Anyone know some numbers on what a job like that would cost?

 

[LeBaron1973]

It would likely cost $$$$ considering this car wasn't built to cope without the B pillar. My suggestion is to replace the vinyl roof and paint the B pillar black to make it less obvious.

This is another case of if you want a different bodystyle sell your car and buy one.

Just my opinion, happy motoring whatever you choose.

 

[Snotty]

Do you mean, "Replace the vinyl or have the top painted?" Converting to a "hardtop" means to convert a sedan to a pillarless car. So, what are you really asking?

 

[B-Rode]

To my knowledge, on most old cars with vinyl tops, the vinyl can be removed to expose the unfinished hardtop underneath, which can be painted. Is the actual structure or pillars different on a vinyl top car? (by the way it's a 2 door)

 

[Snotty]

To my knowledge, on most old cars with vinyl tops, the vinyl can be removed to expose the unfinished hardtop underneath, which can be painted. Is the actual structure or pillars different on a vinyl top car? (by the way it's a 2 door)

The answer is yes, it can be done. The only problem is if there are huge rust holes under the vinyl. Many people have done it. My preference would be to redo the vinyl, because I love them.

The definition of a "hardtop," or "hardtop convertible," is any car, two or four door, that does not have a "B pillar," what the Chevy people call a "post." (Yuck!!) A car with that pillar is a sedan, again, regardless of the doors. That's why I was confused by your question, and I think LeBaron was too.

Sedan:

Hardtops

 

[Carmine]

Youngblood, you is confusin the seniors.

Yes, you can get rid of the vinyl top, but you'll have to weld up about two dozen little holes and then do the body work and paint. This is because the fasteners that hold the chrome moldings on go through the sheetmetal.

You need to put up some pics that show this "temporary" coating before we can further advise you. Don't tell me you don't know how to do that. I'm pretty sure they give you classes in social media at the HS nowadays.

 

[FURYGT]

A black or white painted roof was a factory option that used the same moldings as the vinyl top so painting the roof a contrasting color is an option to removing the moldings and filling in all the holes that a non-vinyl top car doesn't have.

Here is a photo of a '68 VIP with a factory painted roof.

 

[JC68vert300]

A black or white painted roof was a factory option that used the same moldings as the vinyl top so painting the roof a contrasting color is an option to removing the moldings and filling in all the holes that a non-vinyl top car doesn't have.

Here is a photo of a '68 VIP with a factory painted roof.View attachment 169552

I like the idea of a two- tone paint job and keeping the molding. It is a lot easier to maintain with some wax than trying to keep a vinyl top clean.

 

[3C's & a D?]

I think your question is regarding the replacement of the vinyl top-vs- painted roof. As removing the B pillar is not practical. Only due the welding if you want it one colour. Easier to do the two tone deal. Black or White goes with anything. Picture are worth a thousand words. Here's one of my old '71 Newport Custom, factory two-tone, hardtop -

 

[B-Rode]

I'll post pictures of the roof when I get my car back. I can't drive it home in the snow

 

[LeBaron1973]

The answer is yes, it can be done. The only problem is if there are huge rust holes under the vinyl. Many people have done it. My preference would be to redo the vinyl, because I love them.

The definition of a "hardtop," or "hardtop convertible," is any car, two or four door, that does not have a "B pillar," what the Chevy people call a "post." (Yuck!!) A car with that pillar is a sedan, again, regardless of the doors. That's why I was confused by your question, and I think LeBaron was too.

Sedan:
View attachment 169541
Hardtops
View attachment 169533

I was indeed. A painted roof would look ok, especially if in the contrasting colour (if your car had a contrasting colour vinyl) that it left the factory with.