"T" roof Javelin Vinyl Top

Hi,

My 71 Javelin has the factory vinyl top.

The seam at the A pillar is above it and matches with the contour of the roof as it goes around the edge before drop off, down the A pillar.

The quarter trim covers the area where you would think the covering would go. It looks like maybe 1/4" of material fits under the quarter trim.

Mine was white, and had matching trim. So the fake vinyl imprinted texture would give the impression of the area being covered.

Camjam, I no longer have the material since removal.

I think my vinyl was partially replaced or fixed. There is a bit of work done to the top. Nothing structural, just some sealer and primer from detecting leaks and rust along the a pillar and drip rail.

I searched for some good images, and found something odd.

The image link you posted, is more correct, but seems the a pillar section is a wee too long.

The next time I find the image of a untouched t top style vinyl top I will link it.

Had it until I closed out of the browser, and for the life of me, yahoo images are not picking it up.

It was a light brown with black vinyl top, 71 or 72 AMX, in a garage, dusty and ready for restoration. One of the most unique images one would come across, being that it is untouched barn find quality.

Will do another search in the morning.

CamJam wrote: I found a couple of photos  online where the seam was plainly visible, and they both had the seam quite high up, like this:    https://cdn1.mecum.com/auctions/dn0716/dn0716-249011/images/dn0716-249011_12@2x.jpg And another: <span style="font-size: 0.75em;">   http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/421/241/38550120004_original.jpg?v=1 </span> <span style="font-size: 0.75em;"> </span> These would seem to correspond with what you're saying, James.

Yep, that's about right... I guess seeing your original link threw me off on how far down it was.

Though I have an odd feeling it was up to the installer how far the seam will be done. The only limiting factor is the 1 Inch or so play room with the over lap when trimming to fit. It may be from a change up on where AMC got their materials, and may affect early builds or wee differences between 71 and 72 on fitment.

So far the link you originally posted is the most noticeable on the seam section length.

As to the pub above...

I searched Eddie Stakes site through some pix and details of older cars he owned.

Has the 1st 72 Javelin ST off the assembly line. Fully optioned Go-pack and functional cowl hood. Possibly dealer or added by Eddie. Has black vinyl roof and the longer A-pillar seam section.

Will look for early 71 Javelins with vinyl top to verify late 71 to 72 had the odd longer seam section on the A-pillar, which my Javelin very well would have had.

Here is another 71 from Eddie, may be pre a January car. Note the missing vinyl on the A-pillar. Looks like some glue held the seam down. Though the short seam section on top does not appear to have the double stitching as the later longer section shown on the other images.



I think we have a picture on the early 71 AMX with black vinyl top, but it is already restored, so no pre restoration pix available.

Edited by 304-dude - Sep/20/2017 at 9:07am

CamJam wrote: Hmmm, ok that's good to know. I'm using tan vinyl, which I don't think was even offered by AMC in '72, so its obviously not critical to me to make it concours perfect, but at least now I have an idea about where the factory put the seam. The T top arrangement should make this a lot easier to install than a full-size top since the vinyl pieces are much smaller and easier to handle. Should just be a matter of proper prep, the right glue and "measure-twice-cut-once". Thanks for your help, James!

Yep, just realised a thing about my comment on double stitching on the longer seam section. It actually is the crease that is formed with the over lap between the pieces.

So it appears both types have the A-pillar strip glued down under the short section from the top vinyl.

So the A-pillar piece is glued In first and has about 1/3" extra material for the top to overlap.

Take a good look on the images I posted, you will see all the non restored tops show the crease, while the restored tops don't show any crease what so ever. Could be that the installer did not want it to be noticeable or how the vinyl aged and allowed the crease to form.

Edited by 304-dude - Sep/20/2017 at 9:20am