Due to constant sunlight exposure, a vinyl top can crack and change the appearance of roofs. Also, the damaged wraps can reduce the appeal of the vehicle. Not to mention that a damaged vinyl top can allow water to sit in the area between the top and the car metal allowing rust to form. In such circumstances, people remove it either permanently or temporarily for replacement for their car roof.
What Is a Vinyl Top?
A vinyl top wraps the roofs of cars and protects them from sunlight, rain, and other environmental effects. In addition, they protect the frame from UV rays and keep it stable for a long time. Bottom of FormThey have variable shades, and you can purchase them according to your choice. In the 1920s, the makers launched them in the automotive industry.
A vinyl top is a feature traditionally used to add elegance and luxury to a vehicle. The vinyl top dates to the very early years of automobiles, but it made its resurgence throughout the 1960’s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Oddly enough, it was used to make the driver appear to be driving a convertible with the top up. Soon, it was recognized as a sign of status and luxury. Manufacturers used vinyl roofs to add elegance and design to their luxury cars, and it is now a staple of the design to some of the most well-loved vehicles to come out of those generations.
They are the traditional covering sheets on vintage cars that repel rain droplets and keep travelers safe. In addition, it replicates the moveable or convertible tops due to easy removals.
Why Remove the Vinyl Top?
The constant sunlight exposure can damage their overall appearance and cooling effect. As a result, several people park their vehicles under the shade of trees. The low-end branches of trees scratch them. The brushing of sharp branches results in patching and holes. The sunrays penetrate these open areas. The road dirt, smaller stones, and debris alter the color and appearance of these wraps. Also, fluctuating weather cracks the soft material.
Due to old age, their edges start peeling. In addition, the dimming of standard colors leads to their displacement. People change them to improve the appearance of their vehicle roofs. With replacement, they maximize the cooling and protection of the interior.
Cracked and old vinyl tops loosen from their attachment points. In addition, due to lost screws and attachment clips, they cannot provide maximum coverage allowing water to sit on the material below causing rusting metal or rotting wood.
With age, a traditional vinyl top can start to crack and peel once they lose their elasticity. This can allow water to enter your roof undetected, leading to roof damage and sometimes causing rust. When you notice your vinyl top is starting to break apart, it is time to replace it.
If your roof has already rusted beneath the vinyl top, removing the rust should be your priority before installing a new vinyl top.
How Do You Remove the Vinyl Top?
Detach The Clips
Access the clips around the windshield of the vehicle. These metallic clips hold the material in one position. They tuck the sheet inside the open areas. Attach a flathead screwdriver on its side. Then, pull it outwards and extract it from the surface. Collect them in a polythene bag for further use. The availability of compatible clips reduces the procedure cost and consumes less time. Note that you may need to remove the windshield and rear window trim to access some of the retaining clips.
Remove The Washers and Screws
Access the visible screws and attached washers under the removed clip area. Then, use a screwdriver, adjust it on the mounted screws, rotate them counterclockwise and pull. Detach the tucked sheet from the surface manually. Then, gently move it backward and fold the sheet. In case of broken pieces, collect them in a container. During the procedure, protect the windshield from smashing and cracks. Next, repeat the method for the rear window and loosen the tucked wrap from enclosed areas.
Apply Natural or Artificial Heat
For their removal, stabilize the vehicle on stable ground under direct sunlight. The sun provides natural heat to melt the adhesive material. Adjust the heat gun or hair dryer near the surface and blow the hot air. It melts the glue and detaches the material from the surface. With heat, it loses the attachment points. Cut the edges with a sharp tool, hold them, and gently pull them from the surface.
Utilizing Hot Water Power-washer and Chemicals
Use a power washer with a specific nozzle. It uses pressurized steam that can blast the wrap into smaller pieces. The high temperature and excessive pressure remove the glue. Use a small spade to scrape the vinyl from the roof. Then, collect the broken pieces in a plastic bucket. A chemical stripper is a high-quality gel that dissolves the polymer sheets and cleans the underneath area. Apply it over the surface and leave for 10 to 15 minutes.
It breaks the wrap into smaller pieces, and you can wipe them off manually. Acetone can dissolve the glue, and you can pull the sheet from the roof. Take acetone in a bucket and spread it over the surface. It dissolves the adhesive material within 10 to 15 minutes. Wipe and clean the surface with a fiber-free cloth or a bristle-free brush.
Remove The Rust
A few vinyl sheets have rust due to the accumulation of moisture. However, rusting can damage the body and frame of the vehicle. In this procedure, break and grind the glue into tiny pieces. Clear the surrounding rust particles with a disc grinder.
Then, use the proper paint and rust removal technique to remove the rust and corrosion from the metallic parts. Also, take off any of the chrome trim to make the rust visible. It prevents further accommodation of corrosion over the metallic surface.
Using Thinner or A Solvent
Use commercial solvents to dissolve the glue under the wrapping material. Take the thinner into a plastic container, soak the rags in it for a few minutes, and spread them over the glue. It softens the adhesive material, and you can scrape off the sheet with a sharp knife or blade. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose. Through suction, pull the vinyl from the top surface.
Surface Preparation
Once the vinyl top has been completely removed and all the rust areas are properly addressed, then the choice will be do you replace the vinyl top or go with the natural car finish? Installing a new vinyl top is a project that may be best left to a professional unless you have skills in working with vinyl tops. If you are not going to replace the vinyl top then you will need to address all the vinyl top screw holes and prime all areas where body work was completed, and then painting the car top.
Finally
Removing the vinyl cover from an old car is a time-intensive project, but the removal procedure itself is relatively simple. Removing a vinyl roof can help improve the appearance of a vehicle and can also make the car look modern and classy, or even replace it and bring the car back to its original OEM look. With the right tools, the removal process should take about one day to complete.
