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What was used in the quarter to roof panel seam originally, Lead or Plastic?

Started by Cuda Cody, January 09, 2019, 05:03:52 PM

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What was originally used in the quarter to roof panel seam, Lead or Plastic?

Vinyl Roof w/ a LEAD seam
9 (26.5%)
Vinyl Roof w/ a PLASTIC seam
11 (32.4%)
Painted Roof w/ a LEAD seam
22 (64.7%)
Painted Roof w/ a PLASTIC seam
0 (0%)

Total Members Voted: 34

Cuda Cody

What was used in the roof to quarter panel C-Pillar seam originally from the factory?  It's a questions that comes up from time to time.  John Parsons who worked on the Hamtramck production line answered the question in Scott Ross's book "The Definitive Barracuda and Challenger Guide 1970 - 1974".  He says Lead solder was used for painted top cars while vinyl top cars would get plastic.

Now I want to hear from you!  If you restored an original cuda or challenger what did you find in the OEM seam?  Lead or Plastic?

You can vote for as many options as you have found to be true.

blown motor

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68 Charger R/T    74 Challenger Rallye 
12 Challenger RT Classic    15 Challenger SXT
79 Macho Power Wagon clone    17 Ram Rebel

jimynick

My original 74 Challenger with a factory vinyl roof,  had solder in the roof joints and after I'd melted it out and replaced the panels, I replaced that solder with more solder. So much for authoritarian decrees, eh?  :cheers:
In the immortal words of Jimmy Scott- "pace yourself!"


73chalngr


anlauto

I've taught you everything you know....but I haven't taught you everything I know....
Check out my web site ....  Alan Gallant Automotive Restoration

dodj

I'm going to have to answer, none of the above. My car is a nothing special (unless you consider VX5 special - and I got rid of it) 1973 Challenger with a vinyl roof. I picked up the car in '84. The vinyl roof was looking pretty ratty so I ripped it off. The plastic filler for the roof seam was, in some spots loose and fell off. But about 2/3 of the seam was done in lead. So what do you figure? Someone practicing his lead skills but fixing it up with some plastic before the vinyl went on?
:thinking:
Need a fifth choice on your poll?
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Flatdad

If there was a change during production, we should state our build month.

Mine:

'71 Challenger

Vinyl Top, Plastic Seam

Built December '70


Cudajason

Cody...I know I mentioned this in the face book post, but thought I would add it here too.

My 74 had original paint when I bought it back in 91.  Painted roof, and we found lead in the seems when it was repainted.

Jason



1974 Cuda. 360 / A500 OD.  Yes its pink, no its not my wife's car!  Yes I drive it.


bentpshrods

   I've had my cuda since 1977, so I'm sure it had the original vinyl top on it. Had plastic in seam when I redid it.   

packnsix


Mopar5

My 70 challenger with factory vinyl roof had lead at the seam. I melted it out with good ventilation you definitely don't want to grind it out and dose everyone around with lead dust .


Mopar5

I forgot to add after removing the lead I used short strand fiberglass filler for the joint for added strength.

Marksmopar1

 Hi Mopar 5

  How long ago did you do this repair and how is it holding up?
  I tried a similar post on this topic....it didn't go so well..lol
Curious, I have a vinyl roof R/T, Thanks

halftrackman

  I did a 70 cuda about 15 years ago, with plastic  and it still looks great,  I blasted all the rust out of the seam, then used primer, seals on the metal first, then did the plastic over the primer, sealer.   I heard that lead will shrink over the years  :cheers:

Marty73

1973 Challenger
2022 Wrangler Sahara
2021 Charger Scat Pack