Mopar Muscle Association UK

Nice work!

Nice job Stu

Being as it was all going so well, thought it was about time to pull it all apart again…

full respray or new vinyl top? i assumed the latter until i noticed the side trim was also removed.
neil.

That looks in pretty good condition!!!

mygasser wrote: Sat Oct 11, 25 1:57 pm full respray or new vinyl top? i assumed the latter until i noticed the side trim was also removed.
neil.

Full respray and new top. About time to get rid of the crap paint job and cracking filler.

Pete wrote: Sat Oct 11, 25 2:41 pm That looks in pretty good condition!!!

It’s not too bad, apart from the rear centre of the roof, which has been badly filled instead of straightened out.

Stu wrote: Sat Oct 11, 25 3:47 pm

mygasser wrote: Sat Oct 11, 25 1:57 pm full respray or new vinyl top? i assumed the latter until i noticed the side trim was also removed.
neil.

Full respray and new top. About time to get rid of the crap paint job and cracking filler.

cool, will you paint the roof anyway and then decide if it's getting a new vinyl top? at least then the roof's fully painted/protected if it does go under new vinyl.
neil.

It’s definitely getting a new top, I already have it. I know they divide opinion and some aren’t keen, but I like them.

As for the paint, I had factored in panting it and then adding the roof, for the same reason, but I’m talking to some classic car companies in the area about it, as I only want this done once and right. I’m told that the adhesive won’t take if not done correctly and the last thing I want is moisture trapping.

yes it's definately not nice sanding fresh paint so the glue sticks for sure
neil.

Slowly but surely turning it into a pile of parts again and finding the biggest problem areas.

I should probably update, as there has been a lot going on.

The short version is, the roof was not in good condition at all, despite looking like it wasn't too bad.

Never seen bodgery like it. It had not only had a replacement wonky centre section badly welded in, but the welding was complimented by what looked like a mix of filler and sealant, before being brush painted over from inside and sprayed over from outside. Further enhanced by strips of untreated steel being hammed into gaps and sealed in to bolster it, it was an absolute disaster.

After very little thinking at all, it was decided that I will have to park the new engine build and do this properly instead, so finished stripping it, had it epoxy primered and pushed it round the corner to a proper welder to start patching what we already knew about whilst I emptied my wallet for a new roof skin...

Some random pics of the early patching taking shape and a sample of the multi-patch grot that was cut out of one of the rear quarters...

While that was going on, Chris Goodale managed to get me a roof skin, outer roof rails and drip rails in double quick time! Epic service as ever.

8 hour roadtrip in a van later and the new skin was flopped on top for a quick check before bracing and cutting began.

From there it was a case of starting to dig out all the rot, brace the crap out of the car and cover my eyes while a much more competent welder than I removed the roofskin...

A selection of pictures for your delectation, of random holes, bodges, bracing and grinding. This was an arse-puckering point in proceedings for me.