My buddy who owns a body shop just got a 1974 Charger to paint. It has opera windows but no vinyl top. It looks like the deal was a glass and bondo job. The bondo is cracking. Is there a way to do this right without the vinyl top?

In my opinion, No. Opera lovers were on SE's and they all had a 3/4 vinyl top

True, the louvered/opera windows were just a body plug and filler styling design that was ment for a vinyl top, kind of like the Superbird's rear window plug. While I have not seen it some have said that instead of the fixed coupe windows overlayed they had the roll up windows underneath with a rivet in the winder to keep it closed tight. I know for sure this is what was done on the 74-78 2dr C's (New Yorker St. Regis ex.) but I don't think it was done on the 73-4 B's.

If you don't want vinyl you could do a textured painted top?? The grain pattern on the louvers is kind of unique though, very tight ribs. Sand and fill the louvers to smooth them but they will still be noticeable.

Others have found the trim items needed to convert the roof back to the coupe style and then you don't need the vinyl top.

They made a spring special trim that has a more open hole than the Se but the trim is hard to find. The window swap has been done but you almost have to have another car to get all the parts you need, so why bother if you have another car. Look around the web for pics before going too far. It just doesn't look right to leave just the louvers, no matter how it's done IMO.