72 GS Vinyl Top Question

Interesting. Thanks. I wonder if the grain (& seams) are correct. It (& you) said "Levant Grain." Idk what the orig. tops were. They're not much less expensive than SMS but @Duane brings up a good point with respect to using 50 y/o material.

Anyone used their product?

 

Now another question, I know my 70 GS seem to have no padding on the roof, was 72 the same from the factory?

 

No padding ,that **** is a death sentence for roof skin

 

Some truth to that. Back in the day they lasted a good amount of time. I'm not putting together a daily driver that sits out in the driveway. A well made and installed top will last longer then I will be around being in a nice garage.

 

While we're on the subject of correctness of the vinyl tops, I'd like to know if mine on my '70 GS has correct seams and grain. Also, note the bubble rust under the rear glass so common on our cars. The rest of the top and paint is in great condition and there's a paint and body gentleman here that says he can carefully lift the vinyl above the rust areas, repair it, and glue the top back down. Is this something that sounds feasible if done by the right person?

 

Absolutely can be done

 

Yea it's done all the time,..the front seams are too low

 

And the rear seams should be further apart

 

Very true about being out of the elements..the padded tops hold moisture,..and look trashy imo,...

 

Did 1972 GS have padding in there vinyl tops?

 

Once again no,..

 

You got that right. Kids don't do padded tops on your GS! Padded top results:

 

This is a seam measurement on a SMS vinyl top I purchased in 2020. 43" on the seam (vs 52" on the trunk seam width). No padding.

 

Thanks. I'll have to measure the orig. on my car.

 

Here is an unrestored '70 GS with the original vinyl top in place. I provided all of this information to SMS when I had them make me a top and they totally disregarded my instructions and make the top incorrectly. So for anyone considering SMS... just know that they do not make the tops correctly even if you provide the dimensions.


In the rear the original tops had the seam very near the body seam as shown here. It will vary slightly but this is typical. If you compare the two sides you will see that this original top was not centered by the installer.




On the front posts the lower piece of material overlaps the top piece. This seems counterintuitive but this is how GM did it.

 

Nice. Thanks. Same exterior color combo of my '70 Stage 1.

 

Thanks, I need to pay more attention !

 

So who would be a good choice for a black top for my 72 GS?

 

Legendary Auto Interiors. Note that they have two different vinyl materials (satin and gloss). Make sure you get the one that you prefer.

 

I'm going to just pull the trigger and get one from. Legendary. Never understood why there were seams in the first place, shouldn't have any seams!