TOP THIS! 1968 Firebird vinyl top installation. 1967-1969 Firebird 67-68 Camaro
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
1968 Firebird vinyl top installation, this will be our very first attempt to install a top. Hopeful it comes out well and learn a lot on the way and share our experience. Want to know what glue to use and where. How to replicate the seams at the lower corners of the rear glass. Join us as we figure this thing out.
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Пікірлер: 120
Placing that top material reminded me of putting ice and water shield on a house. Ya only get one chance. Well done guys! I'm impressed. Edit ..... We can all use a little Scott now and then.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
lol. Yeah it’s similar for sure, getting some help is a good idea too
Awesome job for a first vinyl top.At the upholstery supply store they sell a tuck tool for tucking the edges and a roller for rolling the top after completion,helps get any small wrinkles out and secures the vinyl to the body of the car.Great job!!
@VinylVillageGarage
7 ай бұрын
I used wood stir sticks but an actual tucking tool would have been better for sure. Thanks for watching and you kind words. Much appreciated
Awesome job guys! The great pumpkin is looking great.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
If I had a few more weeks I would be done in time to make the trans am nationals. I am sooooo close
Wow! that's awesome, Man you made that look so easy, Thank you for all your Help in these videos.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going it be. I tried watching several videos and didn’t learn much so i decided to jump in the deep end so to speak and glad I did. Of course experience is everything I am sure the next one would go much quicker. And I can do a better video too.
Wow! I’m impressed! That is turning out fantastic. What I took away from this video is patience is the key.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Patience is definitely the key. I have like 5 hours wrapped up in the top install. The glue is a bit forgiving but slow and steady wins this race
I'm not a fan of vinyl tops, but that looks AWESOME! The white top really compliments the autumn Bronze. Can't wait for the upholstery videos, especially the seats. GREAT JOB!!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks buddy. Seat upholstery is coming soon.
Looks greaterister! The truth is, a "professional" might have done it quicker but more than likely they wouldn't have done it better. Great job!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I like the challenge and how else do we learn unless we try new things
I would say thats a pretty darn gooder job for a first vinyl top Jon! Really it looks great. Thanks for the important tips and do's and don'ts/
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I am happy with the results and next one i am sure will go quicker and do a gooder video too 😎
You did an excellent job!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thank you! It’s good to try new challenges and even better when it goes well. I learned a lot on this one.
This looks AMAZING!!!! Wow! Impeccable and Gorgeous!! Im so #jealous #ilovethiscar
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I love this car as well. Going to miss this one
That came out great brother fantastic job
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks buddy.
Great job. I recovered a dash in my 64 tempest with Weldwood adhesive and new vinyl. There is defiantly a high pucker factor learning curve to it but not to bad.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
That glue is amazing, I did the deluxe door panels with it as well and it held To the tight contours.
That is perfect Jon ! Great great job !
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Much appreciated!! I think I would do one again.
Great video! Glad to see the channel continue to grow.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks. So far so good
Nice job. Great to see another example.
@VinylVillageGarage
4 ай бұрын
I feel it came out good for it being the first time I ever did one. I think I would rather do a convertible top then one of these again
@thebandit4393
4 ай бұрын
@@VinylVillageGarage I hear ya. I think the stretching and straightening of material is a skill that takes experience to hone, but you managed to get great results. Twenty five years ago I had a local upholstery shop redo mine and they somehow managed to screw up the seam alignment, so while the front looked good, the seams were shifted to one side at the back of the car. A little extra care would have been nice when laying out and setting the first strip of glue!
Good job J!👊🏻
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks!!! So very close to being done with this car.
I have done two vinyl tops long ago. Both Monte Carlos, 71 and 74, and I would have just painted the top on both but MC are odd. Opera windows on the 74 and the 71 had that gap from driprail to top of about 2-3 inches. Both came from JCW back in the day. 71 looked to be this color top and car was close to this color as well. Good job!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks. This was my first attempt at a vinyl top and very pleased with the results too.
Looks great Jon, glad to see father and son working together!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks. It was nice having some help with this one for sure
That turned out really nice Jon. I realize this is not your car but it would be great to see it at the Trans Am Nationals this year.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I am hoping to make it but it’s cutting it close.
Looks good man. I've never did one myself but going to try on mine
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Slow and steady and patience is key. Good luck!
Great explanation on the entire process. You are the man for jumping into that vinyl top. Came out amazing. Congratulations.👍
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I can’t complain, Came out great and love the looks of the top as well
I t have 3 vinyl tops to put on, 2 on Pontiacs, 1 on the Monte Carlo. Seems like it’s not quite as bad as I thought it would be. 👍🏻
@VinylVillageGarage
2 ай бұрын
This was the first one I ever did it was a little tricky to Stretch the sail panel Area other then that not bad. Probably the biggest thing is getting it centered on the roof before you start gluing
Great video, it looks as though you may have done that a time or two, excellent instructions, car looks great , very close now!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Do it with confidence and a smile and it will typically work out. Well that was the plan. This really was my first attempt at a vinyl top. Not sure I would do much differently on the next one.
@davidbisnette7673
11 ай бұрын
@@VinylVillageGarage looks like a plan well executed to me, worked through any issue that popped up very well also , great job on a fantastic looking car
Great video. Have me second guessing the vinyl top on the Camaro that I previously choose not to install. Great Pumpkin is looking fine!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I have always ditched the vinyl tops in the past too but I really like this one with it.
Thank you for providing step by step instructions on installing a vynal top. While not a popular option in todays resoration world, good to know how to do. Sure the vehcile owner will love it. I could never keep a white top clean!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Glad I got the experience putting one on, Most of the time they got removed and painted.
Tucking it under the drip rail looks a lot better, great work!!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I think it will help Hold it down too.
From where I am it looks great! You are right, sometimes you just need to jump in and try or you’re never going to learn! Thanks for sharing Car is looking fantastic!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Sink or swim, this time I was able to stay afloat and very happy with the results.
Sun heat and time will take care of wrinkles. Great job!!!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks! Can’t wait to see this thing outside even more now.
You have a great channel,and a great voice for narrating your project,im a fan,thank you!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Wow thanks! Having fun playing cars and sharing the story.
Looks awesome!!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks, this one has me stressed out a bit beforehand. It nice to have the thrill of the unknown again.
You are a brave soul taking that vinyl top on after all the gorgeous work you have done on the Bird. Looks fantastic, and sorry to say it makes your white convertible look a little less awesome even though it is still a gem. I am like you taking on things I have never done before thinking I can do it, but that vinyl top would scare me enough to pay a professional. I have seen upholstery videos where they use steam to help stretch and set the adhesive. They might even use rollers to apply the compression force for getting wrinkles out. Did you see anything like that in your search for how to knowledge? I still do not think I would ever try this. Hats off to you. You rock!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I saw several “things” to make the job easier but they cost money and goes against the plan, plus after visiting with a few people that installed tops they where necessary for a f-body car so I decided to get it a go. And pleasantly surprised with the results
I wasn't sure I was going to like the white vinyl top. Now that it's on, it looks really sharp! Great choice on the colors. Wish I could hang out in the garage with you.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks 👍 I like when I have visitors to play cars.
I did my 66 GTO conv. Top twice now, (owned since 83) it looks fantastic but I think my driver Judge clone might get a painted roof...lol.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I agree. I normally remove vinyl tops and paint roofs. This was a different adventure for sure.
Looks great.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thank you much appreciated
The giant stack of Dew in the background 😳 lol
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
What Mountain Dew………😂
@Kyle_Nelson
11 ай бұрын
@@VinylVillageGarage Hey John I have another good tip to make your restorations easier 😀... I saw you trying to cut the vinyl in this video with kitchen scissors ✂️ like I have done for years. Until I found the best pair or scissors ever and will never go back! Next time you are in home depot buy a pair of Wiss scissors with the red and grey grips. My model is the W10T. I have cut upholstery, fabric, plastic, shrink tube,, etc with ease. And it was under $20... Just buy them and thank me later... especially since you are about to do the interior 😏 👍
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
@@Kyle_Nelson will do thanks!!
Looks pretty amazing John! 👍🏽
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thank you. Glad I tried it and happy with the results.
Love the white on copper... NICE!!!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks brother. It does look sharp
Looks fantastic! Very impressive!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks. Much appreciated
Another great job and video ! You guys rock!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks. Very happy with this cars turn out
Another awesome job! Looks fantastic!!
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I am very happy with the results, I might consider doing another one someday
I love the results. I think your brick would have been perfect for holding down the last vinyl seams.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Dang it! That would have been priceless! Next time mr brick.
@coryhage8516
11 ай бұрын
so looking forward to the next build.@@VinylVillageGarage
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
@@coryhage8516 I think the next one should definitely be a fun one. Will be on a trailer from Tennessee as soon as I make the call
Little known fact. Most of the white vinyl tops from 1967 through 1973 were Parchment color. So far, nobody has reproduced them in Parchment.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
I thought the original top I removed had a pearl tint to it. Wish that they still made the parchment
Great video. Will be looking up the one on window alignment .
@VinylVillageGarage
2 ай бұрын
Right on!
@SeaTravelr123
2 ай бұрын
Do you ever bring your Pontiacs to the Nationals at Norwalk ?
@VinylVillageGarage
Ай бұрын
@@SeaTravelr123 I was thinking about this year but it didn’t work out now next year I am going to see if I can organize 2 or 3 of them to be there
@SeaTravelr123
Ай бұрын
@@VinylVillageGarage hoping to have one done at least, Bern going 10years with no show car. 😏
@VinylVillageGarage
Ай бұрын
I know the feeling I. have had my high school car torn apart for over 15 years, hopefully I will get it done soon as well.
Great job Jon. You did extremely well on your first one. 💪😎.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thank you. I can’t complain
@woodrowdelozier1
11 ай бұрын
@VinylVillageGarage careful when putting on the window channel crome. I've had the trim cut the tops from time to time
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
@@woodrowdelozier1 good to know. Thanks
@woodrowdelozier1
11 ай бұрын
@@VinylVillageGarage you bet
Where are your vinyl roof trim pieces ? I , owend a 1968 Pontiac Firebird w/ the 400 cu. in. W/ the turbo 400 transmission....All White, with a black vinyl roof and black trim. Got to save them Birds....love your dialog and patience keep up the good work. LL KOOL RAY 😎
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Thanks. I did install all the trim fit well but it was the original not repop stuff, not sure how well that stuff fits.
@raymarroquin9609
11 ай бұрын
Yeah ! I was thinking what's a matter with this picture ! It's been many year's since I , owend my bird. But , I realized when , I saw you folding and tucking near the base of rear glass that trim , if my memory serves me , correctly goes from the side glass too side glass and the way it's adhered is like protruding rivets. That is what I , wanted to see how you , would overcome ! All , in all I think your doing your friend a great service with the great pumpkin 🎃 ! L.O.L. Keep up the great work , and content...Love them birds especially 1968 Pontiac Firebird. LL KOOL RAY 😎 Fantastic job Jon @ VVG BRAVO ! I would look into upholstery and custom auto body shop's where people that know people ! In the auto industry such as car club's Hell's Angels and men , and women who've been around the block if you , know what I , meen ! Best of luck LL KOOL RAY 😎 FRISCO FOOL ! (Like Texas Metal on t.v.) Where , there's no project that's to big ! To , accomplish or get done ! There's always a Will , and a way ! All , thing's can be done for a price ! (Network)
Looks good man, I did those for a living from the late '70's to about mid 90's. Lots of hail damaged and lease return cars, they made a color keyed molding to match called K-moldings for cars that never had a top from factory...saw some weird stuff written, even some profanity but mostly VT in chalk. I see it's a levant or early GM grain you're using. Most of those I recall they had HAF stamp and a date code on the back. Haartz Automotive Fabrics...maybe they went banko...not much call for them except for what you're working on, first gen f-bodys and limo's. Can I ask what brand this one is? I see some Camaro catalogs are asking 250-300 bucks for a small deck dbl seam that's dielectrically sealed on a thermotron sealer. All those wrinkles will come out, that was one of the beefs I had when they changed from the gauze backing to the current fuzzy semi-pad you have there. I'd stick the whole thing in a dryer if it was folded up for a long time or cold out. Just ramlin' on about the past, good work my man!!
@VinylVillageGarage
10 ай бұрын
I purchased the top from AMES performance but I recall KEE being printed on the back I think.
Nice job. Gutsy,but turned out nice.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Lol, well that’s how we get good. Trying new things.
I love vinyl tops, is it hard to clean the glue out of the gun?
@VinylVillageGarage
6 ай бұрын
Nope surprisingly, I have never let it dry up all the way that might be a different story
If I am not mistaken didn't you have a video of the location for the vinyl top trim studs on the quarter panels/ filler panel, I can't find it, and I need those locations.
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Yes I did, I had made an error in one of the measurements it was 3” not 4” I wrote it down wrong and I don’t want to give bad info. Unfortunately I have no way to edit that video so I pulled it. I hope to redo it the next time I have a vinyl top car.
@Silent1fd
11 ай бұрын
@@VinylVillageGarage I see, thank you
How did the rippling come out? Heat gun?
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Didn’t use the heat gun at all in the top surprisingly, just kept pulling
@patrickjohnson600
11 ай бұрын
Hi Jon.. looking Great.. it’s really coming long
@chuckeecheese162
11 ай бұрын
@@VinylVillageGarage I’ve got one I’m contemplating. It’s gonna be easy compared to yours. I love the look when they’re done. Hate fixing the damage they cause lol
@kevinmanning4880
11 ай бұрын
Thank you John for such a great video! Nice to see your son helping out. My '70 GTO has a vinyl top, the original one still in good shape but will need to be replaced. Really appreciate your hard work. That color combination looks amazing!
Looks great good job...now you can sell me the 69😅
@VinylVillageGarage
11 ай бұрын
Lol. Nope love that car. 😎