looking at a 69 SS: was originally a vinyl top now it's a hard top. it looks very sharp and I saw no flaws at all (with my un-trained eye, of course).. what are my concerns here, other than it won't match the trim tag. how is that process done? I hope they didn't take off the old roof and put on a whole new one. thanks everyone for your help.

The vinyl top was probably removed at a previous repaint. They can be put back on. If you really like the car, I wouldn't let that sway your opinion. Best of luck!

thanks brian. I was just cocerned that they, literally, took the roof off and put on another. that's not the case is it? I prefer the hard top except now it doesn't match the trim tag.

thanks brian. I was just cocerned that they, literally, took the roof off and put on another. that's not the case is it? I prefer the hard top except now it doesn't match the trim tag.

the vinyl goes over the existing hardtop. same body structure.

the vinyl goes over the existing hardtop. same body structure.



My 67 was a viynl top car. Wasn't there when I got it, and no one can tell. I like it this way much better. I like them wither way actually, but prefer a hard top.

Stand at the back or the front and look across the roof, that will tell you what type of repair job they did or you can run you hand over it

If they removed the chrome trim pins and spot welded and sanded it all down before finishing, you will have a good roofline. Vinyl tops come off pretty easily, no need to cut entire roof off. If you go back to vinyl you drill holes and add aftermarket special screws that act just like the original pins. You can see them in this pic of my roof line.
http://www.carsbyjim.com/storage/VinylTop/DCP02393a.JPG

My 69 was originally vinyl...body guy really wanted me to go back to it, but I don't care for them, myself.

As for what condition the REST of the car is in...that's a wide open area. Unless there are documented pics of a resto, chances are it's got rust in places you can't get to, like inner rockers, windshield channel, etc.

People thought my car was "fairly solid", until I had it sand blasted :)

Jim

There is a chance that if it had a vinyl roof then the roof was rusted and a new roof skin was installed. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact it is probably a good thing if it was properly installed. I haven't seen too many vinyl roofs that didn't have a bunch of rust under them, especially on cars from up north.

Don

There is a chance that if it had a vinyl roof then the roof was rusted and a new roof skin was installed. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact it is probably a good thing if it was properly installed. I haven't seen too many vinyl roofs that didn't have a bunch of rust under them, especially on cars from up north.

Don
Totally Correct.

But, now that the vinyl top is gone and new roof is on, rust shouldn't be an issue should it?

My 69 had a vinyl roof, and there is absolutely no evidence remaining. (other than the cowl tag, of course) The previous owner ground the pins off and smoothed the areas. It's a southern car, however.

But, now that the vinyl top is gone and new roof is on, rust shouldn't be an issue should it?

You should be in good shape.

Don