So my buick has been sitting for a bit and I've noticed that under the vinyl top that the metal is starting to rust and bubble a little:rant: . In the back its a bit worse to where you can hear it crunch when you push it with your thumb. My question is what would be the best way to repair this. I will most likely have someone do it, not do it myself... But I was just curious as to what the methods are and what you guys think the BEST method is. Thanks, -Dru :blast: RUST
The vinyl top will have to be removed as well as the glass and new metal welded into place. There's and article in the latest Hemmings Muscle Machines where they do the same steps on a 60's Camaro that show the techniques that would apply to fixing your Buick.
If you cannot store it inside, rust will be back unless you remove the vinyl top and paint the top instead. This usually will require some associated moldings to also be removed.
Yep,,,,, all of the above.... The factories did not paint the tops of the new cars if they got a vinyl top.... and they do rust out.... two real cures,,, eliminate the vt or put new metal under the new vt and keep it in the dry....
i just had my car repainted this past winter. the bodyshop make repairs around both the rear window (lower corners) and the windshield. they moulded the replacement metal, cut out the old & welded the new into place. i had literally stripped the car of all removable hardware due to the fact it was being repainted. i removed the vinyl roof + old glue completely. i knew that the previous owner had replaced the vinyl roof many years ago but had painted the roof before installing the vinyl. when my gs was repainted (epoxy primed with 3 coats waterbase + 3 coats clear), the bodyshop also painted the roof. i let the paint dry for over 3 weeks before installing the new vinyl roof. the point is to let the pros do the work.
Yep. cut out the rust and either form a new piece or get one cut out of an old car to weld in. We had to do the back of our 72 red car, and doing the front cowl section on our 68 convertible.
I had to do mine on my '65 4 door. As it is a 4 door, I decided to do it myself so I wouldn't get too deep into the wallet. I bought the repro metal piece that is made for the middle windshield which solved my windshield problems. I then cut up a second piece and used the channel to repair my back window. The peices were only $50 each. I used my wire feed MIG welder to install them. It worked great and all the little pins that held the stainless on were already attached. Maybe a close inspection wouldn't win any blue ribbons, but as mine is just a 4 door, I'm very happy with the results. Greg
Thanks for all the replies. I had already made the decision to get rid of the VT all together so this just reassured my decision. The car is under an over hang for now, But getting it in a garage is top priority, especially once the restoration of the body really gets underway. This damn florida weather will eat these classics alive if you let them. Im kind of nervous about having some of the local shops around here do any of the work when the time comes though. Anyone know a good shop around north florida that specializes in the restoration of older cars? Thanks again everyone. -Dru
You can alos paint the car two tone.Those cars came with the same moldings in place if you got the vinyl.
I've decided on just replacing the vinyl top once we get the rust cut out. Now I just have to find a good shop around here that I can trust to do a good job. Another question... I want basically the exact same vinyl top (color, texture, ect.) Is that going to be possible??
and also... we are planning on doing as much work as possible ourselves to save a penny or two with the shop. Whats the best way to remove the original top and prepare it for the new top (besides welding in new metal) ANd as far as welding new metal in.. are we going to have to find another 70 lesabre with that metal we need or can it be done with sheet metal?? I'm sorry to be a newb but this is a first for me. -Dru
Hey I got some pics of some the rust under the vinyl today... Tell me what you guys think and maybe the best course of action. I removed the trim around the back windsheild today we still have some work to do before I can really get to work on removing the entire vinyl roof and start prepping it for the body (when I find one around here) The rust is really bad on the drivers side rear by the back windsheild.. its also around the rear windows and front windsheild. The rear windsheild has little pin holes all olong the bottom of the glass:eek2: I hate florida weather... Working on getting a garage, the car has been moved to the over hang to stay dry until we can get it in a garage. Might even go as far as to rent a climate controlled storage unit once we really begin on the body. All help/tips appreciated. -Dru
Mabey i should take a pic of my roof . u all would cry . its rusted so bad from the vynal top its getting a whole new roof . witch they do make .Chevelle and skylark have the same part #s in 1970- 72 and for those that dont know a 1968 1972 chevelle decklid and a 70 72 motecarlo have the same deck lid as well .
