Vinyl Top 66 mustang

[tonestarunner]

Hello, i recently bought a 66 coupe 6cyl 3 speed manual. The car still has a vinyl on (im assuming it's the original) It's not in the best shape, as there are bumps and a few tears in it and faded all in all. I would love to give her some body work and a paint job, but i first want to take care of the vinyl (whats a straight body and paint job worth when your vinyl top is old and torn up). I have seen vinyl materials and parts online and the nuts and molding pieces, yet i am looking for some expert (or any) opinions to whether i can pull this restoration off by myself (friends and me that is). Or if it is better to leave it to a shop to take care of it. I don't really want to remove the vinyl all together because i would have to get some more body work done on the top to remove the studs that are straight into the body, plus it would be taking away from its original shape. Again please if anyone can clue me in to a guide, or a site, or anything about restoring mustang vinyls let me know. Thanks!!!

- Tony

[Blinky Bill]

I thought I would give my opinion as there seems to be many who look at postings but never reply. I have posed some 'simple' questions and never get a reply.

Anyway, I think that this resto can be done pretty easily. Check out this link
http://www.desertmustangs.com/Write-ups.htm

I also have a resto book at home that details this process for a 65. Will dig it out and send you the name. I got it on Amazon real cheap. Basically you need to remove the old one repair any dents or rust (then undercoat with a sealant) have a buddy to help you, some correct glue and it should happen. As someone recently told me if you are prepared to swear for long enough you can usually get the job done.

Blinky

[Blinky Bill]

The book is
Mustang 1964.5-1970
Interior Restoration Guide
by Art Trantafello
Motor Books International (1986)

There is a chapter on vinyl hoods. Plus since this was written many of the specialist Mustang outlets would have the gear you need. Good Luck.

Blinky
Plenty of Tumbleweeds on the message board.

[Rev]

The '66 Stang never came from the factory with a vinyl top as far as I ever knew. Many vinyl tops were later added, sometimes at the dealer where the car was sold new.

I personally would discard the vinyl top and restore as necessary to get the original steel hard top back as it came from the factory. That can involve anything from a good donor top welded in to some minor restoration work on the original top.

This is just my opinion, but not without some thought.

Rev