AMD or go with old top

• Apr 25, 2018

• #1

MoparJim65

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Well, I got a car but it had a vinyl top so it was toast. The sail panels are rusted through on both sides as well. I kind of want to keep the true sheet metal but need to to the qtrs on both sides alon with rear window channel and rear panel. I got a complete donor panel top along with the car but am torn between the donor piece or going AMD for all the repairs I need. Anybody done the AMD repairs or have some info on welding in a complete top section.

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #2

WileERobby

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If the donor cap is solid... not even a discussion.

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #3

PurpleBeeper

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WileERobby said:

If the donor cap is solid... not even a discussion.

Click to expand...

I'm with Wile all the way on this one..... OEM is better than the best repro part

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #4

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flypaper

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I have to ask
what makes you torn between the donor part and AMD ???

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #5

Oldcharger

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I have the same problem with my 69 Charger. I would like to see how this turns out. I am looking for a donor roof myself.

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #6

threewood

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I replaced the hardtop on my 69 GTX with a donor top. There are a bunch of spot welds to cut but the top fit like a glove. I would do it again.

Are you doing full replacement quarters? Or are you going to patch the sail panels?

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #7

hunt2elk

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Always use decent original metal if you can find it. Even though AMD arguably makes the best reposed stuff out there, it all needs tweeking. Some parts way more than others.

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #8

hanks73340

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WileE is correct. Go the donor car route.

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #9

Demonic

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Factory metal fits best. Drill the spot welds, soda blast or something appropriate for roof sheetmetal. Don't warp or stretch it.

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #10

eldubb440

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the donor will give you all the inner structure and drip rails; that thing looks to need every bit of it..... AMD part is just a skin........ the right donor roof will be less labor too....... good luck finding one

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #11

MoparJim65

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The top came with the car. I am a little apprehensive because its such a huge piece. I was thinking of just taking the car to AMD in GA to make sure its done correctly. The right qtr has a deep fold on top right near the edge and is rusted out on the bottom. The left is ok minus the sail. I have never gone that deep into sheetmetal before.

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #12

threewood

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Here is a link to my roof replacement...
https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/1969-gtx-the-t-stands-for-tetanus.111018/page-4

205 spot welds to cut out. Mine roof was rusty and the pass side front drip rail / a pillar needed cut out and replaced. The donor had all the parts I needed. It is very straightforward. Remove old roof and evaluate any subframe structure that needs repaired. It is labor intensive and I can imagine costs a pretty penny for a shop to do.

 

• Apr 25, 2018

• #13

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flypaper

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you should ask the AMD install center what they would use?
if they say AMD
run away far and fast!

 

• Apr 26, 2018

• #14

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Donakey

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I’m building a 70 Charger. I replaced the whole back half with new AMD panels.I braced the whole car really well.I replaced the roof skin quarters all of it.The stuff lined up ok.The most important part is the bracing and DO NOT USE A ROTTISSERY.It will Bend over a short amount of time.My buddies A BODY is bent.Permenantely.

 

• Apr 26, 2018

• #15

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Donakey

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View attachment 599252 I agree with everybody saying the Donor fits better.I used a factory cowl, used AMD COWL to splice in the new sections.I used factory kick panels and door jamb pillars to repair my car where these worm holes of rust developed.I find the AMD **** is good to make the factory **** off the donor less painstaking to repair then put on.The main adavnatage for me now is No Rust and thicker steel skins.I replaced my roof skin when it was good on the back side of the roof structure.The side under the headliner was scaley heavy corrosion.I couldn’t see the skin well enough through the structure.Replacing the skin set me back 1 year.It was worth it though because the roof structure was cleaned up pOR15 and now it won’t rust ever.