1968-1969 Ford and Mercury - 69 Torino Vinyl hard top replacement

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69 Torino Vinyl hard top replacement

Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Model Specific Forum
Forum Name: 1968-1969 Ford and Mercury
Forum Description: Technical discussion for 1968-1969 Ford and Mercury
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=20865
Printed Date: 26-March-2026 at 11:02AM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: 69 Torino Vinyl hard top replacement

Posted By: SirLordNick
Subject: 69 Torino Vinyl hard top replacement
Date Posted: 07-August-2023 at 11:16AM

Hi All,

I picked up a 69 Torino GT with a vinyl top set up, the Vinyl Top is long gone and I'm left with a bare roof. My question is this: I don't plan to put a vinyl top back on it, does anyone have experience or tips in this choice?

I noticed the where the trim of the roof meets the door there's a half inch lip that extends from the roof over the windows. It appears that if I remove the roof trim i'll have this awkward overhang because of the where the vinyl top would have been. I'm looking for any answers related to body work or things i can do to adjust for the lack of a vinyl top.

thanks!

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1969 Ford Torino GT, (Vinyl Top/M-Code)
1972 Fiberform Malibu, 21'
1987 Jaguar XJS
1987 Nissan Hardbody Pickup
1998 Isuzu Amigo
2005 Bayliner 175
2012 Nissan Xterra S
2014 Ford Focus Electric

Replies:

Posted By: schufitz
Date Posted: 09-September-2023 at 4:02AM

Formal roof cars without vinyl tops had chrome moldings around the windows that acted as a rain gutter.

If it had a vinyl top there was horizonal molding along the bottom edge of the vinyl.

If you choose no vinyl, you can either fill weld the holes for the horizontal molding, or just re-use it for a little more "bling" Approve

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Dave
1969 Torino GT/351W 2V/FMX/Vinyl Top/Black Jade/Gold Stripes/Nugget Gold Buckets/Console/Racing Mirrors/AC/PS/PDB

Posted By: SirLordNick
Date Posted: 09-September-2023 at 3:41PM

Based on what I see in your pics, you added the vinyl back on do you know anyone who didn’t? I don’t mind the extra bling as you say, but I want to make sure it looks as Natural as possible. I can fill holes/bondo/sand but if a formal top was never meant to be un-vinyled (new word) are there any tips or tricks I should be aware of. I have considered reinstalling the vinyl, but wasn’t sure of the other course of action.

Thanks!!!

Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 10-September-2023 at 5:27AM

have you considered using a spray on truck bed coating as a replacement for the vinyl? or you could paint the vinyl top area within the original trim a different color, bed coating would make the bodywork a lot easier

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72 GT Ute

Posted By: schufitz
Date Posted: 10-September-2023 at 6:47AM

The top on mine is original as best I can tell. Car sat indoors for almost 30 years. The guy I got it from had it painted & made roadworthy with new tank & lines. I have seen a few online where they removed the vinyl but kept the molding and painted the top body color, does not look too out of place.

Certain body colors could've been ordered as Two-tone, with top painted an offsetting color. This light blue one was a survivor (~30K mi) at FCA Nationals this year with a white painted top.

From period literature:

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Dave
1969 Torino GT/351W 2V/FMX/Vinyl Top/Black Jade/Gold Stripes/Nugget Gold Buckets/Console/Racing Mirrors/AC/PS/PDB

Posted By: schufitz
Date Posted: 16-October-2023 at 9:55AM

There's an overpriced Cobra currently on e-bay with the horizontal molding but no vinyl top. Not sure I like the look with the molding and roof the same color as body color.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/235255420281?hash=item36c650d579:g:27sAAOSw76VlLD25" rel="nofollow - 1969 Ford Torino ....TRADES | eBay

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Dave
1969 Torino GT/351W 2V/FMX/Vinyl Top/Black Jade/Gold Stripes/Nugget Gold Buckets/Console/Racing Mirrors/AC/PS/PDB