Roof? Vinyl or not?

[SuDZ]

Hey guys,

On my 260 the PO has removed part of the vinyl on top. They basicly just cut out a huge square in the middle where there was some rust. Not sure why exposing the rust to the elements was a better idea but what the heck.

So I removed the rest of the vinyl up top since it would have to be replaced or removed anyhow. Now the roof is totally bare and I have a few questions.

1. I notice in a lot (almost all) of the pictures you guys put up there is not vinyl on top. Did the 240 come that way or did you guys just leave it off after painting etc? Kind of like the chrome alongside the doors etc. I notice you guys do not have this on but mine does. Are these just 260 things?

2. I am going to sand down the rust that is currently on the roof now and clean it up a bit. I figure I will put POR-15 on it when I order some. Is POR fine for items like the roof if they wind up being painted?

SuDZ

[mdbrandy]

I THINK I can safely say that no 240, 260, or 280Z ever came from the factory with a vinyl roof. I've never seen one. None of the four I've owned had one. Anyone that knows differently can speak up.

And from what I hear, POR-15 is not a good thing to use on exterior panels that you want a nice smooth finish on. I'm just getting started with POR though, so I haven't tried it yet.

[SuDZ]

Originally posted by mdbrandy

I THINK I can safely say that no 240, 260, or 280Z ever came from the factory with a vinyl roof. I've never seen one. None of the four I've owned had one. Anyone that knows differently can speak up.

And from what I hear, POR-15 is not a good thing to use on exterior panels that you want a nice smooth finish on. I'm just getting started with POR though, so I haven't tried it yet.

I wonder if somewhere along the lines one of the owners had it installed for some reason? Not sure why it is was not even a nice color or anything for it. :stupid:

If not POR-15 what would you guys recomend for the exterior like this? Just sand it down and prime ot or what?

SuDZ

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by SuDZ

I wonder if somewhere along the lines one of the owners had it installed for some reason? :stupid:

Many of the dealers added CRAP like vinyl tops, mag wheels, body-side mouldings, etc as a way to pump extra money out of buyers who were desaperate to buy a Z in the market place where Z supply was not keeping up with the demand.

[26th-Z]

Carl is very correct about the way Z's were marketed and the vinyl along with side moldings came "extra" for the "luxury model". I think it would be very appropriate and period correct to cover the top in vinyl and add moldings. I am also in favor of other aftermarket items such as Amco chrome and interior parts. It's all part of the Z lore in my opinion.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by mperdue

mag wheels are crap?!?!??!?!

They COULD be crap, if you had wanted to buy a Z with the stock steel wheels. Back in the day, you had ONE CHOICE if you wanted a Z. Buy the one they offered you, with all of the added crap they could cram onto it; or go buy an different model of car. Take it or Leave it was the game.

[SuDZ]

Well at least this cleared up a few questions. I actually like the look better without the vinyl. Now I just have to sand it down and get it ready for the eventual painting.

SuDZ

[Arizona240z]

240Z's did come with Vinyl tops....... not a lot of them did but it was possible to get them that way. If they came from the factory like that or not I'm not sure (I think they did).

IMHO, depending on the color of the car a vinyl top can look damn good. The old man's Z is white and has one and I love the way it looks. I've also seen the vinyl on other color Z's or done to where the vinyl covers the hatch (has to be aftermarket) and it looks like crap. But vinyl on a white 240 can look nice!

With that said, most of the guys have chosen to leave the vinyl off because of rust issues and taste preference.

[SuDZ]

Originally posted by Arizona240z

With that said, most of the guys have chosen to leave the vinyl off because of rust issues and taste preference.

I think that is the way I am leaning but won't be for months anyhow.

SuDZ