1973 Rallye canopy top

[Raindem]

Question for the vinyl top guys.  My car is equipped with a canopy top.  But the top and attached trim was missing when I got the car.  There is a row of body rivets across the roof, presumably to attach the rear trim piece.  At the very edge of the roof, about an inch off-center from the line of rivets, is a small dimple.  In the photo it is circled.  When I grinded off the primer and rust, it looked like a hole that someone tried to weld shut.  There is another one in the same location on the other side.

Does another rivet go here?  Or is it a screw hole?

On a more general note, how do the guys with canopy tops feel about them?  I could go either way.  But if I'm going to delete it now would be the time.

Thanks

Curt

[randy73]

I cannot see your pic, but my 73 has the same holes and from my service manual it looks like a screw goes in there, but the manual does not have a pic of the screw.

[Raindem]

I'm a bit confused now.  Does the trim piece (and therefore the vinyl) curve back near the ends?  The pictures I found seem to show it going straight across, side to side.

Here's the direct link for the photo.

https://postimg.org/image/7oru2royv/

[71.R/T.440-4bbl...]

yes the chrome that goes across the top curves back to the side rear window on both sides. there is a stud on the chrome trim that goes through the roof & a nut on the in side of the roof.

[Raindem]

Ah yes, that's makes sense.  The car is currently all stripped down so I looked on the inside and sure enough, there is the stud with the nut still on it. Just took a little wiggling and it popped out of the hole.  I guess whoever took the trim off used a crowbar or something.

[Raindem]

Follow up question... who makes the camopy top and trim for my application?  I visited all the vendors I have links for and I couldn't find anyone that offered the top or the trim.

Thanks

Curt

[1973rallye]

Legendary sells the tops. As for the trim, try contacting Bryan. "Vegas Charger" on this site first, otherwise it's eBay or Carlisle swap meet.

[Raindem]

I've seen canopy tops listed for a 71-74 RT, and for a 73-74 SE.  But not a Rallye.

[1973rallye]

Ebay motors.com and search 73 charger canopy vinyl top.
It will likely be the first item listed and supplied by Legendary. If I knew how to link it on here I would have for you. Ray

[Raindem]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I saw the ebay ad you are referring to.  It lists it as fitting a 71-74.  Is that correct?  The quarter window changed shape in 73 so I'm wondering how the same canopy top could fit both models.

[73rallye]

When you order, just let them know what year you need it for and legendary will send a top with the correct amount of material needed for your car. I had ordered mine from Dantes. Straight up guy and if it's not right he will make sure you get the correct top for your car.
I spotted some trim as well when I was scanning eBay for your top. The ad was pricey. 325 if memory serves me. Sadly supply and demand dictate what we pay for the things we need.

[1973rallye]

It's apparent I have two usernames lol. I had forgotten that I signed up years ago under 73rallye. (In case you were wondering)

[Raindem]

I found the trim in another ebay ad for $157 shipped.  Strangely, this ad didn't show up when I was searching ebay itself.  But when I was on another parts vendor site it linked to it.  And none of these ads show up when I surf ebay using my '73 charger saved data.  I have to do a free text search as you suggested.  So I'm wondering what is the point of having saved car data on ebay if you only see 25% of the ads.

[Raindem]

One more question regarding the canopy top setup.  How are the sides finished off?  Is that with the drip rail molding that I keep reading about?

[Nacho-RT74]

Sides hides down the drip rail mold

[Raindem]

So the top is folded into the rain gutter?

[Nacho-RT74]

yeap

[Raindem]

OK, thanks.  My car was missing a lot of the trim when I got it so just trying to sort things out.

[1973rallye]

Sorry I didn't get back to you. I was up at 5 and off to work. After which I packed up and headed to the lake on holiday.
Nacho is correct which shouldn't come as a surprise!

[randy73]

OK, thanks.  My car was missing a lot of the trim when I got it so just trying to sort things out.

I decided not to put my top back on and I have almost all the trims ( I broke 1 piece removing the top), so let me know I can maybe hook you up.

[Raindem]

OK, thanks.  My car was missing a lot of the trim when I got it so just trying to sort things out.

I decided not to put my top back on and I have almost all the trims ( I broke 1 piece removing the top), so let me know I can maybe hook you up.

Thanks Randy.  I've scrounged a few pieces so far.  The only ones I think I'm missing are the drip rail trim.  But since non-vinyl cars use the same pieces you probably re-used them.

[1973rallye]

I may still have a pair in my leftover parts. They won't be show pieces. I won't get home until Sunday. If I still have them and you haven't found any by then, you pay the shipping and they are yours. Of course before you decide I will send some pics. Ray

[Raindem]

That's a very generous offer.  I'll wait until you get home so you can find out if you still have them.

Thanks

Curt

[Nacho-RT74]

We got a dicussion not too long ago about vnyl top drip rail molds ARE NOT the same than non vinyl ( or halo which are the same )

[Nacho-RT74]

Nacho is correct which shouldn't come as a surprise!

LOL... not allways

[Raindem]

I received this item from ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322545277940

I thought I was ordering the rear roof trim for my canopy top.  I don't know what I received but it obviously doesn't fit where I thought it should go.

So, if anyone has one, I still need the roof piece.  It's the piece that started this thread in the first place.  I'm not even sure what I'm looking for.  Is it a single piece, or is it 2 pieces that slide underneath each other?

Thanks

Curt

[72Charger72]

For a canopy mine was two pieces that slide together.

[Nacho-RT74]

Those are the halo roof side molds

Yes canopys are 2 pieces, but 71/72 diff from 73/74

Need to check the deal about the drip rail molds being diff between canopy and non ( or halo ) vinyl top

[Raindem]

Those are the halo roof side molds

Yes canopys are 2 pieces, but 71/72 diff from 73/74

Need to check the deal about the drip rail molds being diff between canopy and non ( or halo ) vinyl top

Thanks Nacho.  Understood that the drip rails were different for a canopy top.

[Midnight_Rider]

We got a dicussion not too long ago about vnyl top drip rail molds ARE NOT the same than non vinyl ( or halo which are the same )

Well, I missed that discussion... but being a Mopar noob, I'm glad I saw your comment!

My 71 RR had a canopy top from the factory, that won't be going back on after paint. Guess I'll have to account for the drip rail difference when the time comes.

[Nacho-RT74]

This is for 73/74

[randy73]

Those are the halo roof side molds

Yes canopys are 2 pieces, but 71/72 diff from 73/74

Need to check the deal about the drip rail molds being diff between canopy and non ( or halo ) vinyl top

Full vinyl tops also have 2 piece drip rail moldings and I believe SE's are different.

[Nacho-RT74]

no, drip rail molds are one piece on each side on all 71/74, but 73/74 SEs. The 2 pieces on them is the transverse section on Canopys.

Halo are in several sections ( 2 chromed pot pieces on each side and 2 SS molds, plus the two pieces for the transverse section after the rear glass ) but serviced in 4 sections. One of the Pot pieces ( front corner ) is attached to the bottom SS section of the C pillar and offered in one service piece... oooor something like that. Would have to check further on catalog

Correct, SEs got  actually 3 pieces ( vertical, corner and horizontal ) however serviced as one assembly and were color keyed

[Raindem]

Sorry to keep going round on this Nacho, but the more information I read the more confused I get.

Is is correct to say that the drip rail moulding and rear roof moulding for a '73 canopy top are NOT interchangable between a Rallye and an SE?  I need to find moulding specific to a Rallye?

Thanks

Curt

[Nacho-RT74]

Not Rallye specific, but canopy roof specific. Not just Rallyes got canopys.

SEs and Halos molding sets are very diff setup from the Canopy.

EDITING!

each vinyl top kind got its own trim setup. I hope that sounds clearer.

[1973rallye]

I may still have a pair in my leftover parts. They won't be show pieces. I won't get home until Sunday. If I still have them and you haven't found any by then, you pay the shipping and they are yours. Of course before you decide I will send some pics. Ray

Curt. I do have a pair of drip rail mouldings. One of the two has a pucker near one of the curves the other is not bad save some wear and small dings. I can not tell you if they are from a halo or canopy as I got them several years ago.

Looking at the pieces you just bought they may be each of the sides for the halo roof. If memory serves me I believe it is a one piece moulding that installs mid roof of your car that you need. I had salvaged several pieces from both halo and canopy tops years ago so I can't be 100 percent on that.

Anyhow getting back to the drip rail. If you pm me your email and zip code I will send some photos of the areas that need work on these.
If you decide you want them it's postage only from Canada. Ray

[Raindem]

Thanks Ray.  PM sent.

[Nacho-RT74]

Would be nice to get thickness measurements from canopy owners and halo/non vinyl owners on drip rail molds, with a caliper. I guess that could help on know which ones are the ones you have Ray.

Well I guess the canopy roof molds are thicker to get the room for the vinyl down it

[Raindem]

I had asked Ray to post a picture of the mouldings he has.  But it sounds like they are close enough in appearance to non-canopy models that a picture wouldn't help determine their application.

[Nacho-RT74]

I don't think either

[Raindem]

Would this fit my car?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polished-1971-1972-Dodge-Charger-RT-SE-Rallye-canopy-vinyl-top-molding-stainless-/391838026049?vxp=mtr&hash=item5b3b5dc941

[Nacho-RT74]

71/72 canopy trim curvature is reversed to the 73/74. The diff quarter glass shape makes to give a diff direction on them

[Raindem]

That's what I thought.  But then they have this one advertised for a 71-74.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-74-Charger-Road-Runner-1-2-half-vinyl-top-canopy-roof-trim-moldings-Nice-/282179344453?hash=item41b3331845:g:cloAAOSw8gVX3A9G&vxp=mtr

It's a jungle out there.

[Nacho-RT74]

71/72 toward to rear




73/74 toward to front

[Nacho-RT74]

That's what I thought.  But then they have this one advertised for a 71-74.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-74-Charger-Road-Runner-1-2-half-vinyl-top-canopy-roof-trim-moldings-Nice-/282179344453?hash=item41b3331845:g:cloAAOSw8gVX3A9G&vxp=mtr

It's a jungle out there.

71/72 Plymouth Sat/RR/GTX can be very well the same than 73/74 Chargers. Same quarter opening shape. Drip rail molds too.

Sail interior panel is in fact tne same!

[Raindem]

Well, I'm getting closer and closer to just leaving the roof painted.  I didn't know how difficult these pieces were to come by.

[Nacho-RT74]

If this is your first Mopar, this is how this world wellcomes you LOL, even more being a B body 3gen owner and EVEN MORE 73/74!

[Raindem]

This is my fourth 3rd gen charger, but my first mopar restoration.  I've always loved the vinyl tops but until now never paid much attention to how they went together.

I found a roof trim piece for a '72 Roadrunner canopy top.  Based on what has been said, that should fit.

[Nacho-RT74]

Mmmm yes it should!

I love vinyl tops too

[Raindem]

Now I just need the drip rail moulding.  Any 71-74 vinyl top non-SE B-body should work, right?  Or does it have to be a Charger?

[Nacho-RT74]

71/72 Charger drip rail molds got a diff "twist" on rear end. You can see it on the pic I posted

Yes I GUESS any 71/74 Plymouth with vinyl top except 73/74 halo, and of course those 73/74 canopy should work

Just a Guess!

[Raindem]

71/72 Charger drip rail molds got a diff "twist" on rear end. You can see it on the pic I posted

I wouldn't have even noticed it if you hadn't mentioned it.

[Raindem]

Well, the 71-74 Roadrunner trim arrived and guess what, they don't fit.  The assembled piece appears a couple inches too long.  The ends that curve don't follow the contour of the roof.  And the holes where the end studs use to be don't line up with the factory holes in the roof.  This is getting very frustrating. 

[Nacho-RT74]

Amazing! And I don't get it! Roof is the same, Sail panels are the same, glasses are the same, interior panels are "the same"...  quarter panel sure is not the same, but 1" wide difference by side?

[Raindem]

Here's a better picture.  I placed the trim over the rivets and centered it on the vehcile.  I also temporarily reinstalled the Rallye quarter trim.  As you can see there are several problems with the fitment.  The curvature of the ends is wrong.  They don't flow into the quarter trim.  Also notice the angle of the end of the trim.  It doesn't match the quarter trim.  And even if the curvature and angles matched, the holes wouldn't line up.

[Nacho-RT74]

Weird! As stated even the interior sail panel is AS FAR I KNOW the same between 71/72 Plymouth and 73/74 Charger.

Unless I'm missing something!

[ACUDANUT]

We got a dicussion not too long ago about vnyl top drip rail molds ARE NOT the same than non vinyl ( or halo which are the same )

This is a Proven fact.  They are different. One gives room for vinyl, the other does not. FACT

[Nacho-RT74]

I'm thinking those molds could be 74 plymouth and not 71/72

http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1974/74_Satellite_9.jpg

If not then simply I was wrong and then simply the curvature is smaller on 71/72.

We got a dicussion not too long ago about vnyl top drip rail molds ARE NOT the same than non vinyl ( or halo which are the same )

This is a Proven fact.  They are different. One gives room for vinyl, the other does not. FACT

Yes I recall the thread and the PMC shows that... diff pn for those

[Raindem]

Unfortunately, by not being able to find the right parts I'm probably going to wind up just leaving the roof painted.  I'm at that point in the body work where a decision on the top has to be made.  If I'm going to grind off rivets and fill holes, now is the time to do it.

Shame.  I think the vinyl would have looked good on it.

[Nacho-RT74]

Have you tried several boards and not just here?

Try to get in touch with moparmarks. He is member on FBBO and moparts. He uses to get access to nice E and B body parts! And his prices are not bad.

Don't get beated for this. Just keep the patiente!

You can paint but keep the rivets in place. Top can be installed later.

[ACUDANUT]

Have you tried several boards and not just here?

Try to get in touch with moparmarks. He is member on FBBO and moparts. He uses to get access to nice E and B body parts! And his prices are not bad.

Don't get beated for this. Just keep the patiente!

You can paint but keep the rivets in place. Top can be installed later.

Well said Nacho. Your parts are out there. !!!