I have a 1983 Regal that I am trying to convert from a half back vinyl, to a hardtop. My question is, what should I do about the back trim that goes around the rear window. Any help is greatly appreciated.
The hardtop cars have a chrome trim around the back window (top & sides, not the bottom) that are held on by clips that are welded to the body. So to do it right, you would have get those from a hardtop car and weld them into the window channel in the proper location. You would also need 2 hardtop quarter windows (opera windows) as they are different than the vinal top cars quarter window. Then all the other obvious stuff... like removal of the vinyl top and surrounding clips that hold the vinyl top surrounding trim. Grind all those off and do the needed body work. Big job.
The mounting posts for the clips may already be on there, if so just get the clips and trim and you're set. If you don;t see any (should look like small nail heads) than yes you will have to engineer something. If you need the moldings try Brian Weaver (www.gbodyparts.com)
Clear silicone is usally acid based and I would stay away from it. It can cause around the window to rot and leak.
