OldClassics Posted September 7, 2021 Share Posted September 7, 2021 Hey all, I was wondering if it is possible to replace the vinyl top of a 1969 Riviera with a hardtop. I would do this to create a uniform color across the entire car. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks, Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 Sure, removing the vinyl top can be done if you're planning to paint the car. Note, however, that the ventilation grille below the rear window is stamped with a texture simulating the vinyl top on cars so equipped. If you're removing the vinyl, you'll also want to replace that grille with the smooth version from a 'no vinyl top' car. Alternatively, it might be possible to bodywork the textured panel (e.g., using body filler) to make it smooth. In any case, the textured grille would not look correct without the vinyl top. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldClassics Posted September 8, 2021 Author Share Posted September 8, 2021 Got it. I appreciate it, man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I'm assuming that you'll also be removing the chrome trim that separates the top from the quarterpanel and deck lid. I'm guessing that there may be holes to fill or studs to remove that hold the molding clips. You may want to keep the molding and the grille to either switch back in the future, or sell to someone looking to add or replace the top on their 2nd-gen Riviera. FWIW, I like the no-vinyl look on these cars (my '67 has no vinyl top). As you're suggesting, the vinyl top tends to interrupt the flowing lines of the car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 12 hours ago, OldClassics said: Hey all, I was wondering if it is possible to replace the vinyl top of a 1969 Riviera with a hardtop. I would do this to create a uniform color across the entire car. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks, Alex I personally love the vinyl tops on this generation and if that car above is yours , it’s gorgeous! Like EmTee said though it can be done 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I personally like the vinyl top Second Gen Rivs but if no vinyl makes you happy, go for it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I didn't mean to pick a fight -- I love 2nd gen Rivieras both ways. I just prefer mine 'topless'... 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 Old Classic, you have a beautiful car just the way it came from the factory. The vinyl top adds a color contrast to the gold paint and looks very good. I think the car would look bland, not sporty, with a mono-tone color scheme. My thought is to keep your car as it is; and if you want a plainer look, use that as a reason to get another Riviera! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I have had a couple of cars with light colored vinyl tops that didn't appeal to me. Dying them black gave them a whole new and more acceptable look. If you are thinking of removing it anyway try a black dye job. You might like it. Soft Scrub bathroom cleaner does an excellent job of cleaning the gain either for cleaning or preparing for dye. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60s GM Fan Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 Personally I'd keep it. Its what the car came with from the factory. When I selected my 68 I chose it because it came w/o the vinyl top. Vinyl tops don't seem to enjoy the AZ sun/heat. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 As mentioned I would 1st. do a color dye to your liking BEFORE I removed the vinyl in a contrasting color. IF you don't like the color try another until you think you have the look your looking for. IF nothing you do is satisfactory now you still have the option of removing it at little cost up front trying to satisfy your needs/thoughts, etc. Just my thoughts on the subject. Tom T. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 Removing a vinyl top will more than likely produce some real surprises. Vinyl weathers and becomescporous leaving a bunch of surface rust. Then removing the adhesive will be a chore. The last par is trying to blend new paint into your original sun exposed paint. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 47 minutes ago, RivNut said: The last par is trying to blend new paint into your original sun exposed paint. That's why I qualified my original answer with the phrase "if you're planning to paint the car". There's no way to remove the top without destroying the paint under it. Even if it were possible, the color under the top would no longer be the same as the rest of the car due to sun exposure. If it's the light colored top that bugs you, then I think a dye-job makes sense for the reasons others mentioned. You might try a color to match the interior (saddle?). If that doesn't look good, you can always go black... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldClassics Posted September 8, 2021 Author Share Posted September 8, 2021 8 hours ago, EmTee said: I'm assuming that you'll also be removing the chrome trim that separates the top from the quarterpanel and deck lid. I'm guessing that there may be holes to fill or studs to remove that hold the molding clips. You may want to keep the molding and the grille to either switch back in the future, or sell to someone looking to add or replace the top on their 2nd-gen Riviera. FWIW, I like the no-vinyl look on these cars (my '67 has no vinyl top). As you're suggesting, the vinyl top tends to interrupt the flowing lines of the car. This is essentially the exact look I am going for! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 Gotcha - but be prepared to repaint the whole car... Between you and me, I like the color on your car now (or maybe I'm just prejudiced) and the paint actually looks good in the picture. If it was recently repainted and you have it resprayed by someone who knows what they're doing, you may be able to get away with blending the top, but that seems like a big gamble on a metallic color like that. But, if you're going for a color change anyway, then no problems! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 - I know a story that is a metaphor for what you are thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 It has a happy ending, right...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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