73 Charger SE vinyl top delete

[Hilljack68]

I'm pondering a slight conversion of my 73 Charger opera windows. I like the louvers, but not a fan of the vinyl top. This is a low-budget, drive-it-ugly monstrosity project. Just a wicked BB stroker under the hood of a seemingly ugly beater (obviously not the car presented below).

Has anyone undertaken the work necessary to change this...

...to this?...

Interested in tricks, tips, and potential pitfalls. Thanks boys!

 

[moparsaver]

Leave it as built.

 

[Hilljack68]

Leave it as built.

I appreciate your opinion, but I asked for anyone's experience in doing it; not opinions on whether or not I should.

 

[moparsaver]

I appreciate your opinion, but I asked for anyone's experience in doing it; not opinions on whether or not I should.

 

[Hilljack68]

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Vibrations cracking the bondo filler down the paint is the issue I can see.

Hence the reason for the vinyl top.

 

[Biopack]

There are studs for the trim that will need to be cut if you want it smooth. The other item is the trim lines up directly with the front window trim. I don’t see it in the 2nd pic above so delete possible. Just my thoughts.

 

[Hilljack68]

There are studs for the trim that will need to be cut if you want it smooth. The other item is the trim lines up directly with the front window trim. I don’t see it in the 2nd pic above so delete possible. Just my thoughts.

Yeah, if I pull the trigger on my sinister plan, I would remove the studs. As far as the other trim lining up (and looking decent)... that'll certainly take a little finesse.

 

[70chall440]

Your car, build it as you want it. It is a bit of a PIA to remove all of the studs and will require some paint afterwards but it is definitely a possibility and not super hard to do. Remove the trim, peel off the roof, cut off the studs, grind them flush, prime/fill and paint. Know that in some cases the studs can fall in after cut leaving a little hole.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I know is an opinion and you don’t care LOL. BUT I can’t stand the SE louvers without the vinyl.