Help on cutting top vinyl

[Lee Mitch]

I am replacing the top material on my fordor and am wondering on how and when I should cut the top vinyl material. I am using the aluminum molding. Should I cut the vinyl after tacking it and before placing the molding, or after I put on the molding and then use the molding as a guide to cut the vinyl? I would assume that if I do the latter, sealing the edge of the vinyl is essential. Thanks for the feedback. BTW I have looked at Marco's great tutorial, but am still a bit confused on this one part.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Section 8 of Marcos tutorial states,

"With the roof cover pin tacked all around, the tacks can now be "set" or driven home. Finally trimming of the excess topping can begin. Trim close to the tacks but carefully following the line. The goal is to be sure the raw cut edge will be covered by the moulding or hidem, which ever is used."

 

[Lee Mitch]

Yes, but he says in the next section "With the fold down aluminum front moulding the material is trimmed after installation." Maybe my confusion is in what "fold down" means. I ordered this kit from Snyders and it is what I commonly see on cars. It is split down the middle and I fold it down with a block of wood. All of my moulding is of this type. Does that mean that I wait to cut all of it until after the moulding is in place?

 

[supergnat]

If you have a copy of the service bulletins, check pages 323 thru 327. There is an detailed process for replacing a Fordor top.
Supergnat

 

[29ModelA]

I used the original metal strips, then used them as a guide to cut it. I also used black silicone when it was done, it shows a little though and wouldn't look good on a nicer restoration.

 

[Marco Tahtaras]

I have mixed feelings on the subject. Generally aluminum mouldings were installed and the fabric was trimmed after which should seal better on it's own. However, the original material was a little thinner and les obvious when done as such. I can typically get a better finish trimming the fabric closer to the tacks prior to installing the mouldings. The pics below show the only time I chose to trim the fabric after. It was the front only as it was a Tudor.

 

[Lee Mitch]

Wow, that looks good. Thanks for the info. I think I will trim it first. I sure appreciate the help I get here at Fordbarn!