How to install a vinyl top - Part 1 

Thanks That is why I make them. Who is going to share this knowledge? Remember, measure 3 times and cut once. You can do it.

@@davidlis6709 I'll remember, Measure 3 times, cut once. I Appreciate it.

Measure 3 times and cut once. Looks harder than it is. Just takes time.

Thank you.

Thank you

That is why I do them. I am trying to pass on the knowledge for free. Who is going to teach you how to do this? Not the auto shop.

Take your time, measure 3 times and cut once.

Did the factory do that on the hundreds of thousands of cars that come down the line? From what I have heard from former assembly line workers they didn't. That doesn't mean it isn't a good idea, but if the surface is clean then it might not matter a lot.

Take your time, you can do this. Measure 3 times and cut once.

David Lis how many cans of glue did you use?? Was it hard to remove the old top before you painter the car?? I have an old Fury that needs a new top.

I think I used 3 cans. Most of it just ripped off because is was so old, then I scraped it gently with a putty knife so I didn't put any gouges in the metal. Then I used an orbital disc sander to finish cleaning off all the old glue off. I did not do as good of a job like the rest of the body because I knew that I was going to put the vinyl top on. The hardest part is starting, once you get going, you build confidence and get get easier.

David Lis we're did you purchase the material from?

We're can I order the roof material from?

My question been answered . thanks..!!

I started working on cars with my dad at 14.

Thank you, now you can do it. Measure 3 times and cut once.

@@davidlis6709 lol facts!

Thank you. Now you can do it.

@@davidlis6709 I wish my Cordoba had a full vinyl roof instead of half,they don't look right

@@daveooldham9850 You know how to do it. Install one on the entire roof. If someone notices it, tell them it was special order from the factory. Who is going to know?

@@davidlis6709 well funny you say that according to the 1976 brochure they did come out with a full vinyl roof,I've never seen one tho

@@daveooldham9850 I was just being creative. OK, now your are good to go.

+minameise Why not. But you have to put it over paint not primer. They sell kits for several types of cars.

I understand how you feel. Just take your time, use those clips to tighten it up. If you are not sure, just stop for the day and pick it up again. The hardest part is the rear panels by the rear windshield but you do that last so your confidence is up by the time you get there. What is the worst ting that can happen, you have to take it some place for them to finish. But I know that will not happen.

@@davidlis6709 ty for response. I was thinking the sail panels or ear muffs would be the easiest . Shows hiw much I know. I have restored every single stage myself including stripping to bare metal, changing both quarters body filler, prime, paint, and clearcoat. Im in final buff stage now , yet a little headliner is freaking me out. I started this process 5 yrs ago with the goal the car would go from start to finish without hiring out any stage. I cheated and sent it oit for the sound system from a pro shop. Other than that, all is me. I am buying liner this week at car show. After that all we lack is puting all seats and carpet, and trim back on. Already have it all cleaned and labeled. Then, exhaust and wheels will xomplete it. Thanks agian

You can buy the headliner at: Original Parts Group National Parts Depot

@@davidlis6709 yes im buying it at car show this sat from ausleys chevelle parts here in nc. Every single part that ive replaced is from them and haf no problems with any. I like them because all they do is chevelle and caminos so when you call them, they know immediately what you want and dont bumble around on a computer for 5 minutes. Also their earmuffs come formed on the cardboard and ready to install which is nice for the 1st timer like myself

Go with who you feel comfortable with.

Contact: National Parts Depot or Original Parts Group and if they don't have it, they will probably know where to go.

David Lis thanks

I was driving down the freeway 15 years ago, going about 65 and the car in front of me had a mattress on the roof. It came flying off and I was able to swerve out of the way just in time. I don't know about the people in back of me. I had to pull over and empty my pants because I was so scared.

Cushiony - you have to buy the same type of material. Looks like when I installed it. Should last many more years.

The entire car was painted so you put the top over the paint.

I looked at my data files and it was December 2013. Remember this is SF Bay Area, California so the temperature was in the 60's in the day and 40's at night. What do you mean high temperature? The only thing is that the glue/contact cement would dry faster. This is my first one but my friend owned a shop that did this work and he talked my through it before I started and encouraged me to go for it and I did. But it is fairly straight forward. Measure 2 times and cut once, take your time. I believe I did this in four days. When I got tied, I stopped. This is a Malibu not an SS, so it comes from the factory with a vinyl. I removed it, had the entire car painted and put the top on. I am keeping this car as original as possible. When you go to the car shows, there are no Malibu's, they are all SS cars. You can tell the conversions by looking at the dash. The real SS have round gauges not a sweeping speed indicator. Plus I drive this car. It has a 350 V8, 4 speed and gets about 14 - 15 mpg so I use it as much as possible. If it was 427 with 8 to 10 mpg, it would set in a garage collecting dust. Don't be afraid, what is the most that could happen?

Temp outside was 65 max daytime and 40 at night. This was my first one but I did have advice from my neighbor who put several of them on. The car was repainted so the old one had to come off.

The problem with high temperatures if the glue will dry faster, yo will have to work faster.

I used 3M Rubber and Vinyl 80 Spray Adhesive. Purchased at O Reilly's Auto Parts but I am sure they sell that brand and/or other brands at other auto stores.

No you cannot it will last maybe a year or so but after that it will start to deteriorate hope I was able to help you you can find me on Comstock upholstery Google are Yelp have a great day

No - it is totally different material. They sell the top material as a kit.

Thin padding for what? Don't understand your question.

Putty knives, nothing special, one has the corners rounded

Thanks for the info

O Reilly's Auto Parts

Did you do yours?

3M Rubber & Vinyl 80 Spray Adhesive. Any auto store

Watch the video in sections, take your time, measure 3 time and cut once. You can do it.

I don't know how to do that, I believe they need to be welded in. The deck panel and side panels can be purchased. Is there any way to glue the extra material in the places where you want it covered.

@@davidlis6709 The thing is, is that my car has the wrong side trim. Instead of going to the bottom of the trunk filler panel, it curves up and meets the rear bottom window trim. So there is no vinyl or trim below my rear window trim. I want to buy new corner trim and the trunk panel trim, but there are no studs there. I'd have to add studs and remove the studs from the wrong side trim. I think it is channeling rain water into my rear window, trunk and inner rear fender. Maybe I'll take the side roof trim off and make weep holes. When it rains hard the rear package tray shelf must get wet because it's all warped out of shape. I'm not great at welding. Thank you for your videos! I'll be doing disc brake swap in the spring, when the snow is gone. That is a great video too!

@@dan9809 I buy my parts from National Parts Depot or Original Parts Group maybe they have something to help you. The disc brakes make a big, big difference.

@@davidlis6709 thanks I'll check them out

National Parts Depot Original Part Group Go for it, take you time, and measure 3 times and cut once.

I got mine for my old Plymouth from here. www.legendaryautointeriors.com/?s=vinyl+tops&post_type=product

I hope it helped you

Ebay sell.them

I don't know anyone who sell Cadillac tops besides your local vinyl top shops.

Just drill small holes for the screws.

I drill new holes to install the chrome around the wheel wells

It came in one big piece all stitched up shown in the introduction of the video.

It came one big piece

Great - it is an outside car and I used it once a week.

National Parts Depot

National Parts Depot or Original Parts Group

Ebay they 200

3 cans. Go for it, just get started and do it in sections like I did. I took me 4 part time days. Measure 3 times and cut once,

Thanks David, I'm in Australia and want to buy enough adhesive to do the job in one hit. Your videos are very helpful and give one the confidence to DIY.

John Watson buenas tardes sr donde puedo conseguir ese vinyl top soy de mexico

I don't know what this is?

David Lis I tried to post a picture of it. Google screen roller tool. It basically a Handle with a wheel on each end.

How about trying a link to some site.

@@davidlis6709 Almost looks like a Pizza Cutter but its for screens. you can get them in metal or plastic.

@@717273mopar Good idea

These are the codes from the build sheet found under the back seat. Color code = 45 Green -- after market calls it Jade Green Vinyl top = C08

Had many beers working on this car.

No

Interesting problem, where do you even buy them. I would be pissed off. I am not a good welder. Maybe some body shop could do that?

i know of a place I can get a whole roof cheaply, BUT Id prefer to not chop up my car like that for what? 8 buttons

What is the worst that could happen, you get it all screwed up. Then you bring it to a professional. Parts are cheaper than the total job with labor.

What is the link to your video so I can see how you do it?

I live in California. Maybe this year they will start having car shows. Ask some car owners where they had theirs done.

I don't understand your question.

David Lis questions end with question marks.

@@godjhaka7376 , why did you even comment? Are you just trying to start trouble?

Send me the link to your video so I know the right way to do it. Thanks

Real mature man

Joshua Miller Not cool man. Let's see you do better. Then upload your video.

@@williammcdonald5633 I am admittedly embarrassed with my harsh tone regarding my response to this video. I even went so far as to send a personal message to the content provider with an apology and some helpful tips and lessons I learned the hard way. That being said my tone was wrong but the skill and technique putting on a vinyl top were absolutely accurate. Anytime you see a funeral hearse or funeral limo you are seeing my work.