71 Demon Vinyl Top Trim Replacement

Demon Rick · Jul 27, 2022

I'm curious to know if someone can tell me how to replace the chrome trim piece for the vinyl top that goes between the side window to the back window. I have it off and there are three plastic clips that go over the studs on the car but there is another one that is different that is threaded and goes in a hole to the inside and held in place by a nut. This is the part that I'm having trouble with. I've seen articles about trim pieces that have this clip and you need to unscrew it from the inside which normally wouldn't be a problem since the article is using a car that the trim piece is mounted low enough to where you can access the nut from the trunk or behind the back side panel. The Demon unfortunately has the trim piece mounted higher up so that the nut is under the headliner. Any ideas on what to do? Was hoping not to have to remove the headliner to get to it. Possibly is there a way to just pull the headliner back just in that area to get to the nut? if so please give me an idea on how to do it. Thanks

Ramcharger360 · Jul 27, 2022

Demon Rick said:
I'm curious to know if someone can tell me how to replace the chrome trim piece for the vinyl top that goes between the side window to the back window. I have it off and there are three plastic clips that go over the studs on the car but there is another one that is different that is threaded and goes in a hole to the inside and held in place by a nut. This is the part that I'm having trouble with. I've seen articles about trim pieces that have this clip and you need to unscrew it from the inside which normally wouldn't be a problem since the article is using a car that the trim piece is mounted low enough to where you can access the nut from the trunk or behind the back side panel. The Demon unfortunately has the trim piece mounted higher up so that the nut is under the headliner. Any ideas on what to do? Was hoping not to have to remove the headliner to get to it. Possibly is there a way to just pull the headliner back just in that area to get to the nut? if so please give me an idea on how to do it. Thanks

Hello, is it possible to use a well nut ? You might be able to screw the well nut onto the screw and push it into the hole if you can find the right size. BTW: What color is your Demon ? https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_6652836?r-src=SSE:PDP&ppid=BK_6655053&ir=3&tps=6

Demon Rick · Jul 27, 2022

Ramcharger360 said:
Hello, is it possible to use a well nut ? You might be able to screw the well nut onto the screw and push it into the hole if you can find the right size. BTW: What color is your Demon ? https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_6652836?r-src=SSE:PDP&ppid=BK_6655053&ir=3&tps=6

Unfortunately that clip is still in place so somehow I will need to remove it before i could attempt that which means i might have to take the headliner off or undo it from that area which is what I'm trying to avoid. I might try turning the clip to try and unscrew it from the outside but i think it would just spin and not loosen up the nut. I'm assuming since the other clips are plastic that this is the only one to make sure the trim piece stays in place so I'm assuming you have to tighten the nut on the inside.

I bought the car back in 81 and had it ever since. Had an engine vibration that keeps breaking the flexplate to the transmission so i parked it after about 5 years and then of course life happens and never had time or money for it but now I've been saving up my pennies(more like Benjamins) and I'm going through the whole thing. It's a Demon 340 Green Go with a black vinyl top, side stripes, taillight stripe and hood stripes with the hood scoops. It had A/C but the original owner took it all off to race it back then so I want to find all the A/C parts so i can enjoy the summers in it. Unfortunately the fender tag was long gone before i got it and no broadcast sheet inside (made in LA) which sucks because it has a lot of options on it.

Ramcharger360 · Jul 27, 2022

Demon Rick said:
Unfortunately that clip is still in place so somehow I will need to remove it before i could attempt that which means i might have to take the headliner off or undo it from that area which is what I'm trying to avoid. I might try turning the clip to try and unscrew it from the outside but i think it would just spin and not loosen up the nut. I'm assuming since the other clips are plastic that this is the only one to make sure the trim piece stays in place so I'm assuming you have to tighten the nut on the inside.

I bought the car back in 81 and had it ever since. Had an engine vibration that keeps breaking the flexplate to the transmission so i parked it after about 5 years and then of course life happens and never had time or money for it but now I've been saving up my pennies(more like Benjamins) and I'm going through the whole thing. It's a Demon 340 Green Go with a black vinyl top, side stripes, taillight stripe and hood stripes with the hood scoops. It had A/C but the original owner took it all off to race it back then so I want to find all the A/C parts so i can enjoy the summers in it. Unfortunately the fender tag was long gone before i got it and no broadcast sheet inside (made in LA) which sucks because it has a lot of options on it.

Hello again, by chance is the last numbers on the vin 870 ? Possible that was my old car anyhow just curious now..thanks.
Looking for info

Demon Rick · Jul 27, 2022

Jim? Is that you? Wow, this is awesome. How's it going? You still have my Challenger? So many questions to ask you. Email me at rbfullmer@visiondoesit.com

ACME SS · Jul 27, 2022

If it is back near the headliner on the sail, is there anyway of accessing it from the trunk? I'm curious to know how this works. If you could post pictures as you go it would be great. I want to add a vinyl top to my 71 Demon that never had one.

ACME SS · Jul 27, 2022

This should help you see what the metal structure is like in that area. I'm not sure exactly where you are speaking of.

Oldmanmopar · Jul 28, 2022

You will have to remove the rear seat and door panels and the upper metal sail panels. Remove the package tray and carefully lift the front of the liner off of the cardboard making sure not to puu it from under the rear window seal. Then cut a hole in the cardboard behind the liner. I included a picture of the interior roof for reference. round hole is the access hole. I've done it so I know its possible. You will need two people. The nut is at an angle up from the hole. 3/8 nut use a 1/4 inch ratchet and 6 inch extension. Cut a square hole and tape it back in place with Gorilla Tape then glue the headliner back in place.

Oldmanmopar · Jul 28, 2022

I may have the hardware and clips from this car if needed. We are not reinstalling the vinyl and are cutting the roof off to install a 25.5 cage.

Demon Rick · Jul 28, 2022

Well I guess I'm in luck. I tore out all the interior and the metal sail panels to replace or fix so now I guess I will have to take out the package tray so I can lift up the headliner. Looks like I have to lift it up about 4 inches to get to the screw? A question on when you say you tape the nut back in place, are you saying you can tighten the screws from the outside of the car when you go to put the trim piece back on? Also here are some pictures as to what it looks like.

Oldmanmopar · Jul 28, 2022

Cut a square hole in the cardboard behind the headliner and tape the part you cut out it back in place. The hole is not that high . The nut is at a slight angle facing down. Tape the nut??? Not in a million years

Oldmanmopar · Jul 28, 2022

Can you post a picture of the quarter stripes on your car. Especially by the gas cap and the cap if you have it. Thanks Steve

Demon Rick · Aug 1, 2022

Sorry about that. Didn't get a chance to post the pictures until now. The original gas cap is missing but i bought a new one that is correct for the 71 only year.