To vinyl or not to vinyl?

This is a very silly question as it's totally in the eye of the beholder, but what is the general concensus on a vinyl roof on a Maverick? Mine originally came with one before the PO tore it off (I can tell by the roof rust we had to weld shut ) and we're thinking of going that route again but I'm just curious what the general concensus is on Mav/Comets with vinyl roofs. I've never seen one in person (heck, I haven't seen too many vinyl roofs period in person barring the occasional convertible), do they detract at all from the value or looks of the car? I'm thinking black vinyl with a deep, almost-black blue paint job (a MavMan hood would certainly make it pop!) but I'm just vascillating on the roof. On the one hand I want it done because it'll be easier than getting everything perfect for paint, but on the other I don't want to get it done then forever cry that I "ruined" my baby.

Any thoughts?

 

If you like the vinyl roof, I say go for it. They look pretty good when they are done right. Get the rust off there before you put it on or you'll have problems in the future.

 

The rust will definitely be gone, it's mostly been ground out and/or neutralized already in preparation. The front lip directly over the windshield was particularly bad; we ground out a good chunk of metal, treated then fiberglassed over the area (we wanted to weld but the 110 we had access to warped the roof and we weren't comfortable using it for so big a job). The Dude suspects the area was already rusting under the previous vinyl before the PO took it off, which makes me worry of course.

What kind of shops do vinyl roofs? I've still got the aluminum border along the edges and was going to follow that, but what kinds of places should I look for?

 

I would think any reputable body shop could do it. I'd call around to a few places and get some quotes. Especially any places that specialize in restorations.

 

Vinyl looks good on mavericks , I would keep mind vinyl if it was garage kept.
If it's taken care of ;rust removed,murphy's oiled often, or garage kept it should be fine and last years. unfortunately if it sees the elements the life will be shortened.
I'm painting mine back to keep the 2 tone color scheme and hold up better to the weather but vinyl's look is definitely cool

 

Vinyl's cool. There's always somebody at a car show that'll talk to you about that part of the car.

 

I'm putting my vinyl top back on, it was there from the factory (black on a red car) Mine is in the garage so I'm thinking there will be no worries..... oh and around here upholstery shops do the tops....

 

yeah, I follow the advice of keeping them out of rain.

 

Hate to be the bearer of bad news...but this will not last. You "might" get 10 years out of it...maybe. Best way to fix rust of this kind is to weld in new metal.