Removing a 1972 factory vinyl roof.

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

Is it possible to remove the factory vinyl roof on a '72 Torino so that any trim attachment posts are not visible after the roof is painted? I guess anything is possible with allot of $, just want to know if removing the vinyl roof is straight forward or a pain in the @$$. I'm guessing that the vinyl trim had hard attachment points in the roof that will be difficult to smooth out. Perhaps the trim was glued like the vinyl itself. Anyone know? Thanks!     

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
fordismyboss Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 05-January-2014 Location: SF Bay Area Status: Offline Points: 397	Post Options Post Reply Quote fordismyboss Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Removing a 1972 factory vinyl roof. Posted: 01-July-2015 at 5:29AM
	Is it possible to remove the factory vinyl roof on a '72 Torino so that any trim attachment posts are not visible after the roof is painted? I guess anything is possible with allot of $, just want to know if removing the vinyl roof is straight forward or a pain in the @$$. I'm guessing that the vinyl trim had hard attachment points in the roof that will be difficult to smooth out. Perhaps the trim was glued like the vinyl itself. Anyone know? Thanks!

Regul8r Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Moderator Joined: 26-December-2007 Location: Sarasota FL Status: Offline Points: 6624	Post Options Post Reply Quote Regul8r Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01-July-2015 at 5:05PM
	The trim has holes in the body with push clips and studs with nuts. If it is a Sport roof it is just the 2 pieces along the rear "C-Pillar" area or as we call it the sail panel. If it is a Formal roof then it is ALOT more involved. Different over the window trim that ENDS at the back of the window for a non-vinyl roof car. The vinyl roof cars have a full trim line that goes over the window down behind the rear side window, along the sail panel and then across the rear trunk lid area below the window.
	Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME! 1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae" 97 Suzuki Intruder 1400 US Army Retired

formaltop Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 13-March-2012 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 29	Post Options Post Reply Quote formaltop Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01-July-2015 at 6:41PM
	About 1.5 years ago I replaced my vinyl top on my 72 formal. As was stated there is bunch of trim an a formal. To get to all of the fasteners you will have to remove the back seat so you can get the rear sail panels and quarter upholstery panels out. If you end up replacing the vinyl top I sourced the original dark brown, non felted top from SMS and its top notch--not inexpensive though--

fordismyboss Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 05-January-2014 Location: SF Bay Area Status: Offline Points: 397	Post Options Post Reply Quote fordismyboss Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02-July-2015 at 3:20AM
	Yes, I see the big difference between the sportroof and formal. I want to completely remove and discard the formal roof and trim. Will the bodywork be extensive to make the studs disappear? Will I need new window trim? Thanks!

fordismyboss Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 05-January-2014 Location: SF Bay Area Status: Offline Points: 397	Post Options Post Reply Quote fordismyboss Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02-July-2015 at 3:22AM
	Whoops! I meant "Formal Roof Vinyl Top"

mcford Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 31-May-2003 Location: Utica, Michigan Status: Offline Points: 2160	Post Options Post Reply Quote mcford Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02-July-2015 at 5:36AM
	studs no. buzz them off, grind and smooth. the holes for the studded clips along bottom of rear window will require welding them shut.
	Mike

legend onirot Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member METAL GOD Joined: 18-January-2009 Location: hattiesburg ms Status: Offline Points: 3038	Post Options Post Reply Quote legend onirot Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03-July-2015 at 2:19AM
	you will need different window trim. i did the same thing on mine.
	--------------------- malcolm 1973 gran torino sport (formal)... "Stacy Lynn" 1972 gran torino (formal)... "Mackenzie" 1973 gran torino sport (sportroof)... "Leela"