Vinyl Top 73 Charger

[Randy73]

How hard is it to remove the trim pieces?

Also, top is already gone, so would you suggest sanding off the glue or would a remover be better?

Thinking about doing the top myself, so any install help would be much appreciated.

Should I do the top, before or after painting?

TIA

 

[YY1]

Is this an SE "opera window" roof, a half roof, or a "halo" roof?

Opera roofs can be a pain because the rest of the trim is designed around the thickness of the vinyl. I personally like the SE trim around the top.

 

[chrisd]

If you're just replacing the top, you can scrape the glue off. If you're painting the top, I'd use a sander, after I scrape the glue off. Either way, you should be able to scrape it off.

 

[71_Charger_R/T]

It's not terribly difficult to install the vinyl but I don't know how hard it is to take off your trim on the '73. I did my '71 but it's only a "canopy" (landau) roof. Best thing I can suggest is have a helper!

 

[Randy73]

Is this an SE "opera window" roof, a half roof, or a "halo" roof?

Opera roofs can be a pain because the rest of the trim is designed around the thickness of the vinyl. I personally like the SE trim around the top.

Sorry, it is a Rallye with full vinyl and trim all around.

 

[MRHWS]

I believe his top would be like this with loads of trim....

 

[MarPar]

Either way, when you get the top, let it sit outside in the beautiful florida sun (i'm jealous!!!) for a while, so it gets pliable enough to work with it. it will make life a lot easier...

 

[Randy73]

Don't be to jealous, I am in Birmingham right now.

Any tricks to getting the trim off?

 

[MRHWS]

Never removed the trim or applied the vinyl. Something tells me it might call for removing the headliner. I know some, if not all of the trim clips are plastic, but don't know if there is a sealer of some sort used when the clips are pushed into the holes.

 

[Dodger3000]

Hi!

Try this:
1.) http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/body/mopp_0212_installing_a_new_vinyl_top/index.html
2.) http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/body/mopp_0812_vinyl_top_installation/index.html

Hope that helps!