Removing a vinyl roof (classic car)

[monthefish]

On a scale of 1-10, how easy is it to remove a vinyl roof from a classic car?
I can see plenty videos on YouTube on how to INSTALL one, but I think they look horrendous and would prefer metal. Car I'm looking at ticks most boxes, except it has the vinyl roof (which I think was an option in period for that model)

Are they just an additional coating over the standard sheet metal part? (I appreciate that the metal underneath will need quite a bit of cleaning/sanding/priming/painting afterwards)


Found this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUHzXaNUAsY
Looks like it's the automotive equivalent of woodchip wallpaper...

Edited by monthefish on Thursday 20th July 11:34

[V8covin]

Depends on the car.
Screens will need taking out .
Ripping the vinyl off is probably the easiest part, it's all the glue residue that's left behind that will take the work and time to clean off.
Roof will definitely need painting afterwards and if it's a car like a Capri for example there will be trim on the c pillars that when removed will leave holes in the metal where the clips/rivets were.
Basically you are opening a can of worms

[markymarkthree]

If you plan to use heat, be careful as there will be lead on some of the pillars.
I would try thinners, paint stripper etc on the glue once you have peeled off the vinyl.

[DickyC]

Petrol wakes up old fashioned contact adhesive.

Acetone is good. Petrol is cheaper.

[monthefish]

Thanks all.
That's more encouraging than I thought.

I appreciate it's not a simple afternoon job, but it's good to know that a good bodyshop could probably do the necessary.

I know it's a case of 'how long is a piece of string' and there are so many unknown factors in play to really make a call, but if I budgeted £1,000-£1,500 to have it done properly, would that be in the right kind of ballpark do you think?

(It would transform the car, and be totally worth that in my view)

[V8covin]

What car is it ?

[monthefish]

Gen 2 Charger (68-70).

Pretty sure vinyl was just an added option, so would I be right in assuming that, (except for rust and residual glue), the underlying roof substrate should be serviceable with a good bit of elbow grease and finessing. (i.e. the vinyl is just like wallpaper - an addition for decoration)

Edited by monthefish on Friday 21st July 13:04

[V8covin]

monthefish said:

Gen 2 Charger (68-70).

Pretty sure vinyl was just an added option, so would I be right in assuming that, (except for rust and residual glue), the underlying roof substrate should be serviceable with a good bit of elbow grease and finessing. (i.e. the vinyl is just like wallpaper - an addition for decoration)

Edited by monthefish on Friday 21st July 13:04

As I said earlier there may well be trim holes on the C pillars,now you've told me the car there will be.They will need welding up and the roof and both quarter panels will then have to be painted.
I'd expect to see some rust,how much won't be clear until the vinyl is removed.
Good luck

[monthefish]

V8covin said:

monthefish said:

Gen 2 Charger (68-70).

Pretty sure vinyl was just an added option, so would I be right in assuming that, (except for rust and residual glue), the underlying roof substrate should be serviceable with a good bit of elbow grease and finessing. (i.e. the vinyl is just like wallpaper - an addition for decoration)

Edited by monthefish on Friday 21st July 13:04

As I said earlier there may well be trim holes on the C pillars,now you've told me the car there will be.They will need welding up and the roof and both quarter panels will then have to be painted.
I'd expect to see some rust,how much won't be clear until the vinyl is removed.
Good luck

Thanks.

It's not something I'd be doing straight away, but I just needed to know it could be done in the future (otherwise I'd have to discount vinyl-roofed cars from an already small pool of suitable cars )