Vinal top restoration

[basherbob]

Just purchased an 86 Regal Limited (307 V8) that has been in a barn for the last 5 years. It is white with a white Landau top that has discolored, mildewed. I scrubbed the mildew off but there is still some black spotting.

Is there some kind of shoe polish like coating available to get it back to solid white? There is also some surface cracking that could use treatment/softening. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[Red Regal T]

Except for the cracks, you can restore it to a new appearance by painting it with SEM vinyl paint. I did this many times years ago. It's very durable. Not a job for spray cans but for use of a paint spray gun. If the cracks are really bad, you'll just have to have the top replaced or eliminate it.

 

[basherbob]

Thanks John for the reply. The cracks and spots are surface that just need to be colored so the paint should work. Also came across this stuff made by Leather Magic for dying vinyl that a local detail shop uses. They also make upholstery dye to help restore the Maroon interior.

Thanks,
Bob.....................................

 

[v8eater]

Can the vinyl top completely off without any unforseen problems other than a few holes to fill or tabs to remove?

 

[turbofish38]

The problem with vinyl tops is rust. You can remove the top but depending on how your car was driven and stored, count on spending the money for paint and rust repair. Some are minor but most I have seen are major repairs. There are about 100 rivets that you will have to grind off and there is a funky retainer that holds the vinyl around the back window that has to be removed and the back glass needs to come out and provisions for reveal moldings will have to be made. The quarter glasses are also different so you will need a pair from a steel roof car. I have had a few vinyl top cars and they always had serious rust holes in them. IMO remove the vinyl no matter what the cost. I think a vast majority of people equate a Buick and Landau top as being a Grandma car. Good luck on your repair.

Eric Fisher

 

[basherbob]

Can you say S.L.E.E.P.E.R ?

Thanks for all the replys. Yeah was wondering about the quarter and back window moldings, kinda strange looking. The top will come off next summer for the paint job but need interim solution until then.

Bob..........
86GN
71GS 455 conv
86 Regal 5.0 Ltd.