Expert: william [bill] tuma - 7/31/2009

Question
I just bought a '72 Monte Carlo, and it has a vinyl top.. I have nothing against vinyl tops at all but I've seen a few without it.. I'm convinced it looks better without. Can it be removed all together, or am I digging myself into a hole? I plan on getting this car painted, so I was thinking I could knock this out prior to the prep. for paint process.

Answer
 Demetrius,

 removing the vinyl covering is like opening PANDORA'S BOX; G M saved a lot of money on paint and metal finishing labor by gluing on [for extra money]vinyl. Removal is quite simple;grab a loose end and pull hard,side mldgs.lift off by prying up,window mldgs.need a tool to unclip,caution window could break. lower belt mldgs. are held on with nuts not a problem. the problems are;with good vice grips grab clip studs[welded on]twist to break off.you will have to weld closed the 'bolt' holes ,caution fire hazard inside. i have seen rust[cancer] holes in the metal under the vinyl cover 'PANDORA'S EFFECT] . bottom line is it's cheaper to keep her.  the bright side is you could have bought a 1972 boat. Bill