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3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install #2463107
03/08/18 02:48 PM
03/08/18 02:48 PM
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Nuke463 Offline OP
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Nuke463  Offline OP
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All
Am thinking about installing a vinyl top on my 71 Charger
Been doing some reading and reviewing posts from folks who have already done it however my question is that my Charger never came from the factory with a vinyl top therefore it does not have those small little ‘nubbs’ (for lack of a better word) on the ‘C’ pillars
These small ‘nubbs’ hold the clips that allow the chrome pieces to be installed
How would a guy go about adding these small ‘nubbs’? Has any one ever added these?
Thx
Nuke

Re: 3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install [Re: Nuke463] #2463123
03/08/18 03:21 PM
03/08/18 03:21 PM
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Mass
DAYCLONA Offline
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The "nail heads" are welded on with a special stud gun, you could find a shop that has a gun and have them do the job, it's a rather spendy item for the use that you need, you could also drill and use flat head stainless screws to retain the clips as well

Re: 3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install [Re: DAYCLONA] #2464067
03/09/18 10:35 PM
03/09/18 10:35 PM
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Nuke463 Offline OP
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Dayclona,
Thx! Any idea where I can get a template or diagram that shows me where the nail heads are placed?
Thx
Nuke

Re: 3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install [Re: Nuke463] #2464119
03/10/18 01:29 AM
03/10/18 01:29 AM
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Valencia, España
NachoRT74 Offline
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these screws were made to replace those electrowelded studs on the cheap and easy.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mopar-Window-Tr...119.m1438.l2649

also these rivets

https://www.ebay.com/itm/122939579263?ViewItem=&vxp=mtr&item=122939579263

but nothing like the real deal


With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
Re: 3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install [Re: Nuke463] #2464336
03/10/18 04:28 PM
03/10/18 04:28 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
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Mass
DAYCLONA Offline
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Originally Posted By Nuke463
Dayclona,
Thx! Any idea where I can get a template or diagram that shows me where the nail heads are placed?
Thx
Nuke




Chances of that are slim to none, your best off placing the mlds on the car fitting them where they contour and fit the body best, tape them in place in a few spots to hold them on the vehicle, use some 1/8" or 1/4" masking tape/pinstripe tape/etc, tape a line directly to the edge of each side of the mldg butting up to the mldg, then remove the molding, the tape lines are now your template, measure between the 2 lines to find CENTER for your attachment screw, and space out your clips accordingly and as needed to retain the mldg to the vehicle, just don't overdo it with clips, keep in mind some mldgs also use a threaded stud or barb clip end retained inside the mldg that is tightened inside the vehicle, some just use clips, they all vary... when installing the clips, seal the screws with body CAULK, no silicone that eventually promotes rust, personally I'd only use stainless steel screws...I've done this many times in the past, esp on finish paint vehicles that received a top later on down the road

FYI, some mldgs are rather low in profile, make sure the screws or rivets, even nail heads are lower than the installed clip, otherwise you'll end up with dings in the mldgs when you snap them on

Re: 3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install [Re: Nuke463] #2464409
03/10/18 06:52 PM
03/10/18 06:52 PM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,089
Valencia, España
NachoRT74 Offline
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I have thought on fill the screws threads with lead, then also a bit on panel hole, then once screw is in, heat a bit and will seal a bit with the lead added on both pieces


With a Charger born in Chrysler assembly plant in Valencia, Venezuela
Re: 3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install [Re: NachoRT74] #2464846
03/11/18 06:17 PM
03/11/18 06:17 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
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North Dakota
6PakBee Offline
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This is what you need for a first class job. I'd mark out the locations and have a body shop weld the studs on.

https://www.eastwood.com/stud-welder-trim-rivets-bag-500.html


"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".
Re: 3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install [Re: 6PakBee] #2464918
03/11/18 08:48 PM
03/11/18 08:48 PM
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Posts: 18,153
Mass
DAYCLONA Offline
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DAYCLONA  Offline
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Originally Posted By 6PakBee
This is what you need for a first class job. I'd mark out the locations and have a body shop weld the studs on.

https://www.eastwood.com/stud-welder-trim-rivets-bag-500.html



Of course that's the way to go, but the OP hasn't stated what condition his car is in?, if it's finished paint, then stud welding will ruin any paint/bondo/putty in that area....screws might be his only choice?, it's his call...but he has several options

Re: 3rd Gen Vinyl Top Install [Re: DAYCLONA] #2464968
03/11/18 10:38 PM
03/11/18 10:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,665
North Dakota
6PakBee Offline
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6PakBee  Offline
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Posts: 10,665
North Dakota
Originally Posted By DAYCLONA
Originally Posted By 6PakBee
This is what you need for a first class job. I'd mark out the locations and have a body shop weld the studs on.

https://www.eastwood.com/stud-welder-trim-rivets-bag-500.html



Of course that's the way to go, but the OP hasn't stated what condition his car is in?, if it's finished paint, then stud welding will ruin any paint/bondo/putty in that area....screws might be his only choice?, it's his call...but he has several options


Good points. I assumed (there's that word again) that he wasn't in final paint.


"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".






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