Body guys (or not); WWYD?

Posted By: Scott Carl

Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/16/14 06:08 AM

I have been working on repairing the rust around my rear glass hole on my formerly vinyl topped Challenger. I don't plan to replace the vinyl (most likely, in MY lifetime) but who knows about my heirs? My granddaughter has already put 'dibbs' on it LOL but my question is this:
If it was your project with the same game plan, would you leave the trim clip studs on the body? or grind them off. I know there's going to be a snag hazard during washings and such but I can imagine what a PITA it would be to put them back by someone in the future. Obviously its not going to be a restore (by me); Just a *hopefully* nice DD. What would you do?

Thanks
Scott

Posted By: RUNCHARGER

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/16/14 06:19 AM

Take them off for sure.

Sheldon

Posted By: SNK-EYZ

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/16/14 06:30 AM

Quote:

Take them off for sure.

Sheldon

Odds are that it will never get a vinyl top ever again.

Get rid of the studs so it doesn't look like it's not finished.

Posted By: mopar383

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/16/14 12:40 PM

Quote:

Take them off for sure.

Sheldon

yes get rid of them for sure

Posted By: 70Coronet500Vert

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/16/14 12:51 PM

A lot of aftermarket trim clip kits have screws. Grind'em off.

I'd say odds are it will not get a top, but it always could. We put a top back on my son's charger.

Posted By: Scott Carl

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/16/14 05:55 PM

I was regretting not making this a poll at first but I see that it would have been a bit one sided LOL. I think you guys are right in that it will probably never see vinyl again. My late father may be disappointed but as said, its not a full restore like he wanted. Yep it would indeed look unfinished, and they are a real PITA to sand around <chuckle> They're gone on the next round

Thanks guys, for the votes of confidence

Scott

Posted By: modelmakerinc

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/16/14 11:29 PM

I personally like the vinyl roof look, it is another detail that many discard but is unique to the vintage of our cars.

reconsider the vinyl, or remove all traces

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/17/14 06:55 AM

I've seen the studs for the trim available, just can't remember where.
I'd say that they can be replaced at a later date if going back to vinyl.
Document the locations (maybe find the studs) and grind 'em off!

Posted By: Commando1

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/17/14 03:10 PM

It's your car right now.
Not when your grand daughter has it.

Think of yourself for a change. Grind'em.

Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/17/14 04:13 PM

Grind them off, they can be reinstalled with a stud welder. There was studs along with the pins that came with my stud welder.
Here's what the tool to weld them on looks like.

And this is the studs I welded on for window trim, I know yours are for the vinyl top trim. They are easy to weld back on.

Posted By: Scott Carl

Re: Body guys (or not); WWYD? - 09/17/14 05:28 PM

Quote:

I personally like the vinyl roof look, it is another detail that many discard but is unique to the vintage of our cars.

reconsider the vinyl, or remove all traces

and if I was doing a full restore, there would be no doubt. But its an expense and headache I simply don't want to mess with now. The money can go into the interior replacement

Anyway, its a moot point now, because I ground them off yesterday

I will record where they were, however, and put the info with the scrap of vinyl I saved and store inside my Motor's Manual.

Scott