Thanks. I also like the vinyl top.

And you didn't think you could do it. Now you get bragging rights.

4 days - part time. Measure 3 times and cut once. No going back. Take your time, you are only doing it once. These shops scare everyone saying you can't do it. The spray glue is from a local auto store. Spraying the glue puts it on more even so you don't get bumps. When I did the headliner, I bought the contact cement from Home Depot and used a brush.

@@davidlis6709 Had a shop just do my 'Cuda, he did a nice neat job,even drilling holes for the trim pieces as my car wasn't built with a vinyl top.Seams are even side to side but they're not as straight as I would have liked.He said he hadn't done one in quite awhile. col

As time goes on you will look at it less and less and if you don't say anything most people will not notice.@@jhamtramck4569

I believe in 1970, they were put in by hand.

@@davidlis6709 Incredible, considering what they had to do...

@@rickenbacker315 But after doing it day after day, car after car, I would not want to do that.

@@davidlis6709 I do agree, David. I worked in a factory making semi trailers. Two months of that, I was gone...

I would too. I bet it is done differently. Plus going a car several times a day you get really good at it.

Ballyhooed song

I am happy that it turned out good and you saved a ton of money. The shops usually tell people that it is to hard for regular people to do. Now that it has been 7 years since I have done mine, the sail fins in the back are coming unglued because I live in California and the sun heats it up in the summer time and glue comes undone. This time I am going to use a little gorilla glue. When I go to the car shows, I look and a lot of the Chevelles have the same problem.

Sorry, I was talking about the headliner. But the vinyl top guys are just as bad.

That is a standard putty knife with the edges rounds using a bench grinder. Make one yourself. Remember, measure 3 times and cut once.

Yes - go for it. Remember, measure 3 times and cut once

Thank you. I do not show it, I drive it. And it has a little scratch on it. And it has factory A/C.

Yes you can, measure 3 times and cut once.

I had the same feeling before I started. What is the most that could happen? It gets all screwed up and you have to take it some place. It took me 4 days to do this, just do some each day and it will be done. Remember, measure 2 and 3 time and cut once because there is no going back.

Hey where did you find the Material that worked for you? i have to make a custom made vinyl top for my 87 Cadillac Brougham Hearse! but im not trying to keep the car im trying to sell it, im basic filping the car for some value soo i get my other car painted in the body shop. sooo any help would be great!

Solo G Have you done it yet...how did it go?? I have a 1996 Fleetwood that's going to need a new top real soon.

Yes - you can do it. Measure 3 times and cut once. It does not have to be done in one day.

It takes a lot of time but you get a great feel of self satisfaction. Then when someone asks where you had it done, you can say I did it myself.

You are the first person to notice. This includes people who see the car in person. Remember, measure 3 times and cut once.

David Lis wow... I am kinda left brained... I am debating whether or not to do my 69 el Camino once I finish restoring her.... your video makes me think I could do it... you made it look effortless.

@@scackley What is the worst thing that could happen? You screw it up, then you take it in. Take your time, look at the video as you go along. It took me 4 days of a few hours each day. The hardest thing is getting started. I watched some videos of the tops being installed at shops, they don't show you everything. Then people start thinking, they have all the special tools and clean facilities. You see my special tools and shop. Order the material online and the spray glue you can get from your auto parts store. Or buy 2 cans from them.

Thanks. Just takes time

Thanks, now you can do it. Remember, measure 3 times and cut once.

@@davidlis6709 my cutlass has never had a top, how would i go about getting the rivets? to be able to put on a top?

@@poeki8891 You would have to weld them on or get the right size sheet metal screws that would screw the plastic clips to the body. If you weld them on, you really have to know what you are doing because if you use to much heat, it will warp the metal. Then you have a major problem.

Go slow, measure 3 times and cut once.

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

Now you can do it yourself. Take your time and measure 3 times and cut once.

If you are going to do this, measure 3 time and cut once. It take a long time but you can do it. What is the worst thing that can happen?

I never think about it but I do wear some of my worse clothes. You think I would dress up if I am going to make a video. The other thing is that I do this in my driveway to give other people confidence that they can do it also and not need a beautiful shop. I have about three purple shirts and always buy an extra one if I see them on sale.

I always dress horrible even when im working on the car. It encourages neighbors to donate cloths to me cause they feel sorry for me and think I cant afford them. You should see all the brand names I got for free

Those were the original ones. I used all the original molding including the one on the front fender overthought it has little dents on it.

Glad to be of help. How did it come out?

Maybe a local shop will sell you what you need or Original Parts Group or National Parts Depot

What do you want me to do? I live in California

@@davidlis6709 can you point me in the right direction where i can order a new too for my lincoln? That would be awesome😊

@@basherbodies7285 Start with National Parts Depot or Original Parts Group, if they don't have it they can tell you where to go.

@@davidlis6709 thanks👍👍

You can to. Just take your time, measure 3 time and cut once.

You can also do this. Take your time, measure 3 times and cut once.

David Lis thank for replying I’m planning on doing it on our crown vic I think it will look amazing, but can i ask you where can i get those chrome fittings? Thanks again

Check out: National Parts Depot or Original Parts Group

Now you do not have to be afraid. Measure 3 times and cut once.

4 door sedan

@@brentkendrick814 You can purchase vinyl top material from National Parts Depot and Original Parts Group but I do not know if they have Cadillac. But you can ask them who does.

Just get some contact cement at the local hardware store to fix the little spots and use a brush not spray. Screws - It was something the factory did but you can add extras yourself. I drilled new locations so they would be extra strong, not the same spot. Remember to run the drill backwards so you don't screw up the vinyl material.

I don't put anything on the top because it is always covered when not using it. I am sure your local auto parts store has something. I should check myself.

I have heard from several classic owners that they like Blackfire vinyl cleaner, followed by protectant. I have used it for years on my car interiors and I am extremely pleased at how effective it is without being greasy (looking at you, Armor All) or penetrating the vinyl to the point I am worried about discoloration/damage. When I re-top my '70 Toronado next year, I plan on using the same product to protect the exterior vinyl.

I wanted to make it as close to original as possible.

+Rick Buenaventura Stop being afraid..... I was to, if I can do it so can you. Original Parts Group or National Parts Depot. Just remember to measure 2 or 3 time and cut once.

+David Lis mine isn't a true vinyl top though lol id have you do it in a heartbeat 😀

Makes it a little softer

Mine was original. Did you try National Parts Depot or Original Parts Group?

Yes, the original is better. It is hard to tell without seeing it. Is it possible to squeeze it tighter in a vice with a rag so it does not scratch it?

I was going to do that but did not think anyone would be interested

@@davidlis6709 I have a factory Heavy Chevy matching number four speed car I am doing a frame off I was hoping to save the original top but its just not going to happen I need to replace the top but I am nervous about it . You did a very nice job but would love to know how to remove the trim with out damaging it . Thanks for the reply

@@madmanmechanic8847 I was too. I have to go look at the car so I can remember. There was a little trick

@@davidlis6709 I know its been years back and we all forgot how we did things . I have done things in the past and go do it again and pull up a blank . I am afraid of damaging my trim so any help would be appreciated thanks

I looked at my car. I started in the front corner by the windshield. There is a connector piece of chrome. I used a real small screw driver I carefully pried it up bending the chrome just a little bit to get it past the metal rail. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to bent it back. Just the edge, not the whole piece. For the longer pieces, I used the screw driver and a pair of regular pliers (I used a small piece of a rag on the chrome so I would not scratch it), to pull it up. So, the screw drives lifts it up and the pliers bend it out of the way. Does this make sense? Let me know.

Saved a lot of money

Thank you. Takes a long time but you can do the same, take your time and remember to measure 3 times and cut once.

National Parts Depot and Original Parts Group, they sell every color for most cars. I purchased the first can from them and the rest from my local parts store. The spray can gives a more even spray. For the headliner, I used regular contact cement from a 1 quart can, that came from the hardware store and I used a brush because I was afraid of the over spray.

It has been 4 years now and it is exactly the same. Someone did a good job, not mentioning any names. Not really. Remember, measure 3 time and cut once.

Thank you - now you can do yours. Remember, measure 3 times and cut once

Watch the video several times, take your time, measure 3 times and cut once. You can do it. Plus you will have bragging rights.

Original Parts Group National Parts Depot

It snaps off. It is held down with plastic clips. You can see them in the video at 22:33. Use a putty knife to pry them up.

So far no problems. When people look at it they want to know where I took to to get it done. 3M Rubber & Vinyl 80 Spray Adhesive - O Reilly Auto Parts Store

National Parts Depot or Original Parts Group

No. Where you glue it, is where it is going to be.

No, material only

National Parts Depot Original Parts Group

👈👍👍👍👌

I believe Monte Carlo trim parts are all the same until 1972. They totally changed in 1973. Monte Carlo and Chevelle are different.

It is over 2 years now and still just like when I finished the headliner, no wrinkles, real tight. It just takes time to do it

I mean vinyl top

Yes but you don't have to pay anyone. And you get bragging rights.

@@davidlis6709 true..

I almost did the same but I wanted the car to be as original as possible. And it is, except the radio and 4 speed on the floor.

It did not.

Josh, what adhesive would you use? and are you qualified or experienced to say? he says in other comments the car is parked outside and it has lasted at least 2 years, although the best possible job should last 20+ years or until the vinyl deteriorates, even then most cars from factory will rust under the vinyl by then. any other tips would be appreciated, I would be using plastic tools to push the vinyl into gaps and be pulling the vinyl tight in areas to prevent wrinkles and bubbles.