Vinyl roof install

[ogre]

I have my challenger, now roof is rustproofed and soon to be in sealer. The windshield band back window are removed and as well as the molding clips. I also pulled the drip edge molding on the sides to clean all the metal and seal it. The dash is also out of the car.

So when does the vinyl roof get installed? Can it be done after the glass is in? It looked like the old vinyl was under the molding clips so I wasn't sure. Should the dash be in before the windshield for ease of installation?  Unfortunately I dont know because the car was missing all that stuff so I never had an opportunity remove it myself and make notes.

is it worth doing the vinyl roof yourself or saner to have a pro do it?

Thank you for any advice on the matter!

[Dmod1974]

Ideally, top, dash, AND headliner go in before the glass.  The dash and headliner can definitely be done after glass install, but it's a lot easier with it out.  I've seen people do the top after glass install too, but it's got to be substantially harder that way.

I farmed my top install out to the same guy who did my headliner so he did both at the same time, but installed my own glass.

[tparker]

I agree, much easier with the windows out. I installed mine myself. It isn't too difficult if you're somewhat handy and patient... and have a second pair of hands. There are several videos on youtube. You just have to mock it all up before hand. Really make sure you have everything marked. I saw one video where some one was in the back of the car hang out the rear window with the back half while another guy was in the engine compartment (no engine) and they laid it down together in one shot. That seemed to work better than what I did. I folded the top in half and coated the glue on one side then laid that down, then did the other side.

I had a couple areas that are not 100% perfect. I would recommend having a heavy roller to roll over the top. The curves are a little tricky and the piece below the rear window didn't lay right so I ended up cutting it to make it align correctly. I think this is one of those things were you do one or two and then you basically "master" it. Unfortunately we only have one shot. LOL

I used this adhesive which is supposed to be pretty good. However, once is made contact it was pretty much stuck. I didn't have a lot of luck pulling it back up to reset it. I did twice I think but it wasn't easy. It would be nice if there was something a little more forgiving incase it goes down wrong and you need to relay part of the top.
https://www.amazon.com/Dap-Weldwood-Contact-Adhesive-Solvent/dp/B004IH3HAQ/ref=asc_df_B004IH3HAQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241955846398&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7336380144468626676&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032532&hvtargid=pla-409270738931&psc=1

So, it is doable, but if you want it perfect and have the cash, it might be better to pay someone. Else spend a lot of time prepping. Have a plan.

[usraptor]

Sorry, I'm late to the game but I agree with both Dmod1974 abd tparker re the order of things having installed my headliner, dash, windshield and back glass myself.  Especially the dash.  It is so much easier to secure the screws in the front leading edge of dash frame with the windshield out.  Otherwise it is a bear and you might learn a few new curse words.  I had my vinyl top installed by pros after the car had been painted.  The windshield had been removed however the back glass was still in place, minus the molding.  The vinyl top definitely wraps around the window channel edges and goes under the the moldings so IMHO it's better to have the glass out.  Watching the pros do mine, I'm glade I paid to have someone else do it.  I know others have done it themselves but I know my limitations and I'm pretty sure I would have screwed it up. I did my own headliner installation and although I imagine it can be done, in my case it made it easier to install without the windshield and back glass being in place.

[usraptor]

Headliner pics 

[anlauto]

If you have the choice, then do the glass LAST.
Pay a professional to do the job if you don't trust yourself

I've watched my guy install 18 vinyl tops for me and I still wouldn't attempt it myself...