69 Chevelle Vinyl top

[Donnie]

Helmut,
the SMS tops dont have the padding they are like original. but the two bottom seams will have to be moved about 4" outward.

[Bill Rose]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: L78M22Rag</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree about the top on the car in the classifieds... Nice car though.

I'd like to replace the vinyl top on my 1969 Chevelle (apparently it needs it), but I'd like to do it properly. Has anyone altered the location of the seams on the repro vinyl tops? Also, the repro vinyl tops are softer (have more padding than original. Perhaps that is just a matter of age... Is there any way to change that?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Charlie, that is an absolutely gorgeous 1969 Chevelle! </div></div>

It's a fairly simple process, to relocate the lower seams ( above the deck lid) on a vinyl top. First you have to start with the correct vinyl. The cheap tops with the felt padding are junk. I use SMS tops. They have the correct material, but when they fabricate the top, the seams are not in the correct location.

I just cut that piece off the SMS top, and use the extra vinyl the hangs down the quarter panel, to make a new piece, that goes between the trunk lid, and the rear window. I just fold the ends over, then glue them down. You can also use some heat on the fold over part, to get a tighter/flatter seam.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: L78M22Rag</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Postsedan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is the &quot;Problem&quot; you stated your having? What is the problem?

Dan </div></div>

Donnie, I suspect you've discovered that the reproduction vinyl top seams are not in the right place. The vinyl top seams should be directly over the factory filler panel seams.

All that's left of my vinyl top is the seams... is this top torn up enough for ya? Fortunately you can see both the seams in the metal and the top.


</div></div>

Hi Helmut,

Was this top white?

Ryan

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill Rose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: L78M22Rag</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree about the top on the car in the classifieds... Nice car though.

I'd like to replace the vinyl top on my 1969 Chevelle (apparently it needs it), but I'd like to do it properly. Has anyone altered the location of the seams on the repro vinyl tops? Also, the repro vinyl tops are softer (have more padding than original. Perhaps that is just a matter of age... Is there any way to change that?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Charlie, that is an absolutely gorgeous 1969 Chevelle! </div></div>

It's a fairly simple process, to relocate the lower seams ( above the deck lid) on a vinyl top. First you have to start with the correct vinyl. The cheap tops with the felt padding are junk. I use SMS tops. They have the correct material, but when they fabricate the top, the seams are not in the correct location.

I just cut that piece off the SMS top, and use the extra vinyl the hangs down the quarter panel, to make a new piece, that goes between the trunk lid, and the rear window. I just fold the ends over, then glue them down. You can also use some heat on the fold over part, to get a tighter/flatter seam. </div></div>

Great information,

Do you have pictures?

I have seen a few of the puffy tops and they look poor.

Ryan

[Bill Rose]

Here's a shot of my 68, with the SMS top

[L78M22Rag]

That looks perfect!

The top on my Monaco Orange Chevelle was black.

[L78M22Rag]

Sorry Charley!!!

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

WOW that SMS top looks perfect.

Looks very original (original is good)

Ryan

[foster]

I GUESS YOU LEARN SOMTHING EVERY DAY MAYBE,, BUT I GUESS IF YOU WERE ON THE ASSEMBLE LINE OR NEW SOMEONE YOU WOULD KNOW 100% IAM SAY REALLY LOOKS LIGHT THE ORIGINAL BUT GUESSS YOU GUYS KNOW THANK YOU FOSTER

[Postsedan]

Foster,

It`s always good to learn something every day. We are a tight knit group here..... we aim for knowing or restoring the way the General did it or correctness. But none of us are perfect.

Dan