New Vinyl Top DIY HELP needed

[72and86]

1970 Cuda Vinyl top install we're trying our hand at. All prep done and coming out great till we hit snag, the Lower trunk extension area. We've got the sail panels done (or C pillars, I guess) but laying out the final swatch that goes below the rear window has us worried. We have a big bunch of vinyl material that will bunch up and we're concerned its too big to flatten out. See pics.
Has anyone had this? How is this addressed w/o cutting the vinyl down the seam?
Thanks
Steve

[57Fury440]

I helped my friend put a vinyl top on his 70 Cuda about 15 years ago. The top had the centerline marked and we did one side at a time working from the center out. If you did the sides first, then that might be the problem. The part below the rear window should go down when the top of the roof is put down and you work outwards on both sides.

[anlauto]

At this point, you're likely going to have to cut it and re-seam it on both sides

[tparker]

I ended up cutting it.

[72and86]

Update: We ended up pulled the 2 sail panel sides up and off and THEN putting down the back. Then reattached the sail panel sides last. Worked perfect.

[72and86]

Update: We ended up pulled the 2 sail panel sides up and off and THEN putting down the back. Then reattached the sail panel sides last. Worked perfect.

[DeathProofCuda]

Update: We ended up pulled the 2 sail panel sides up and off and THEN putting down the back. Then reattached the sail panel sides last. Worked perfect.

Glad that it worked out for you and thanks for reporting back on the fix.  I'll have to keep this in mind if I ever decide to put the vinyl top back on my Cuda.

[anlauto]

That's awesome that the glue hadn't set-up yet and you were able to do that without damaging the vinyl ...dodged a billet there  Glad it worked out for you !

[Rdchallenger]

I did my own vinyl top as well since the only place that did it within an hour of me closed about 3 years ago due to retirement, I get compliments on it all the time but I will never do another. I contribute it to beginners luck and a lot of cursing.

Great job!

[Mr Lee]

Glad you got it worked out and laid flat.

For what it's worth to anyone else who may read this.... The guy that installed my top had the same issue... a big bulge in the back below the glass.  He simply cut it on one side, at one of the existing seams, removed the excess material, folded it over and glued it, to mimic the original seam.  Can't even tell it was done.  He said that happens sometimes.


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