With its new vinyl top, my '66 Mustang GT is starting to look like its old self again.
Bobby Elen from J&B Auto Upholstery in Lakeland, FL, installed the white top last week as part of the car's total restoration at Classic Creations of Central Florida, also in Lakeland.
A long-time upholsterer who installs both convertible and vinyl tops, Bobby pointed out several things that determine whether or not a vintage Mustang was originally equipped with a vinyl roof. For example, the factory put punch marks in the top of the glass channels so worker could align the vinyl top seams.
Also, on '65-66 Mustangs, the top was retained in the drip rails by an aluminum strip, which was covered by white or black silicone, depending on the top color. These strips are commonly broken, as they were on our project '66, and they have not been reproduced, but thankfully we were able to locate a good pair of originals at Mustangs Etc. in California. Our thanks to Garrett Marks for his help.
Watch for an article about vinyl top installation in our July issue.