how do i change a vinyl top to steel ?

[diymirage]

hey guys,

im working on a project here and i am building a 1970 challenger R/T.

it is the AMT kit which can be build as both a top down convertable and a hard top

my problem is, the hardtop is molded to look like vinyl, i need it to be smooth as the rest of the body

what is the best way too achieve this ?

thanks guys,

you're always a great deal of help

[george 53]

Eelco, Sand it smooth(it takes a while) or use some thicker spray primer to fill it in smooth, then sand it level, OR use some thinned down putty, smear it all over the roof, let it set THEN sand it level.Any of these methods will work, but your gonna end up sanding it any way you go.I've done it all three ways, and they all work about the same.Hope this helps!

[diymirage]

i was afraid you might say that

so i guess spraying on one or two coats of sandable primer and then just having at it with some sand paper will do.

any suggestions on what grid to use ?

[935k3]

A better way than sanding to get rid of a molded, textured surface is to use a an abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub or something simular. Vigorus scrubbing using a toothbrush will remove the texture more evenly especially on non flat surfaces. I use it to smooth out Primer on a detailed chassis that would be impossible to sand.

Edited December 4, 2008 by 935k3

[MrObsessive]

If I were you, I'd brush on some liquid glue one section at a time on the roof because the solvents of the paint may cause the "vinyl" to show up once again.

What you want to do is sand the section smooth, then brush on your liquid glue. Once the glue has dried, you'll see the vinyl "imprint" show up again. Now you want to sand away this area once more. What you're doing is getting rid of the "memory" of the plastic as liquid glue is the hottest solvent out there.

Lacquer paint would be the next hottest. This tip is great also for getting rid of scripts and trim if you're into customizing------I've got this tip from Ted "Chopper" Lear, and it's worked great for me.

This can take a while to do..........but the effort is worth it.