813Demon340
Well-Known Member
Thanks all! Yes the end is in sight, I'm hoping to drive it by July 15th.
When I bought the Duster it came with the top, but it was from Year One. First thing is to get the top out of the box and let it sit in the sun to get the wrinkles out (mine had been in the box for 10 years).
Get at least 2 cans of 3M Super Trim Adhesive # 08090 , Autozone/Napa carry it.
Measure the center of the roof and the top, mark both
I tried to line up the A pillar seam location (approx 3" down the post) as the factory did. Then you can trim some material off, but leave more than enough extra material, although MEASURE 3 times cut once.
It helps to do it out in the sun, as the heat makes the top more pliable and easier to work with, IMO.
Once you have the center line marked on both, then start with one strip of glue down the center (approx 3" wide). Once tacky try to pull both ends taughnt and roll it into place, then press it down. Then lay the top out and see if its centered, I used the side seam to driprail gap as my locating point. Once its centered its time to start gluing one side at a time. Don't be shy with the glue & it tacks up pretty quick in the hot sun. I would pull then ends tight and unroll the top as my wife ran her hands along the seam to press the top down evenly. Once you get to the sides then you will stretch & pull it some to work the wrinkles out. You have to do the drip rail sides and the front A pillars at the same time, in order to get the top into the drip rail trough. I did the rear sides next, again a liittle stretching there. I used the handles of the scissors to run through the troughs. The window troughs were last. You'll have to mark or cut the holes for the window trim clips. I use a soldering iron to burn holes instead of cutting them (works on headliners and carpet too). Then its final trimming. The vinyl does not wrap under the drip rail trim, its cut off at the bottom edge.
The rear trim is help on with 3plastic clips that attach to the body posts/studs and one bolted on wire clip. I'll post pics of the when I get them. It easier to do than a headliner, IMO, but you really need two people when gluing the center.
When I bought the Duster it came with the top, but it was from Year One. First thing is to get the top out of the box and let it sit in the sun to get the wrinkles out (mine had been in the box for 10 years).
Get at least 2 cans of 3M Super Trim Adhesive # 08090 , Autozone/Napa carry it.
Measure the center of the roof and the top, mark both
I tried to line up the A pillar seam location (approx 3" down the post) as the factory did. Then you can trim some material off, but leave more than enough extra material, although MEASURE 3 times cut once.
It helps to do it out in the sun, as the heat makes the top more pliable and easier to work with, IMO.
Once you have the center line marked on both, then start with one strip of glue down the center (approx 3" wide). Once tacky try to pull both ends taughnt and roll it into place, then press it down. Then lay the top out and see if its centered, I used the side seam to driprail gap as my locating point. Once its centered its time to start gluing one side at a time. Don't be shy with the glue & it tacks up pretty quick in the hot sun. I would pull then ends tight and unroll the top as my wife ran her hands along the seam to press the top down evenly. Once you get to the sides then you will stretch & pull it some to work the wrinkles out. You have to do the drip rail sides and the front A pillars at the same time, in order to get the top into the drip rail trough. I did the rear sides next, again a liittle stretching there. I used the handles of the scissors to run through the troughs. The window troughs were last. You'll have to mark or cut the holes for the window trim clips. I use a soldering iron to burn holes instead of cutting them (works on headliners and carpet too). Then its final trimming. The vinyl does not wrap under the drip rail trim, its cut off at the bottom edge.
The rear trim is help on with 3plastic clips that attach to the body posts/studs and one bolted on wire clip. I'll post pics of the when I get them. It easier to do than a headliner, IMO, but you really need two people when gluing the center.
