How to Replace a Vinyl Roof on a Cadillac

Vinyl tops have been popular for years, but when the vinyl gets old, it can dry and crack, making it look less attractive. Replacing a vinyl top on a Cadillac may seem like daunting task, but it can be done by the average backyard mechanic over a weekend.

Instructions

1

Remove all of the trim using the trim removal tools. There are clips that secure the trim to the car and with gentle prying, so be careful.

2

Pull off the vinyl top using your hands. It will be on there pretty tight, so it may take some extra pulling.

3

Sand down the entire rood using the 80-grit sandpaper to remove glue residue as well as any extra foam from the original top.

4

Lay the 1/2-inch precompressed foam onto the roof and cut it out using a razor blade to match the shape of the roof. You'll need a few different pieces to match the contours.

5

Spray contact cement through the glue gun onto the foam, and then onto the roof. Once the glue sets up and gets tacky, place the foam onto the roof, pressing it along the way to rub out air bubbles.

6

Repeat this process on any other areas of the roof where the vinyl will be installed. Don't worry about making the corners where the foam meets up perfect, that can be tweaked in the next step.

7

Sand the corners of the foam using the 80-grit sandpaper to contour the foam. You want to make a gradual slope in the foam, contouring the foam to the vehicle.

8

Spray the glue onto the bottom of the vinyl top and the foam that's mounted onto the roof.

9

Float the vinyl top over the roof using the help of an assistant. Align the vinyl first by the windshield and then off to the sides and around the roof. You want to work the bubbles out of the vinyl so that it fits smooth and looks good.

10

Reinstall the trim by pushing it in place.