Wile E Coyote
Super Genius
Any Imperials ever get gator grain, or tortoise or cobra grain tops?
1969, 1970 Imperial Vinyl Tops
- Thread starter Wile E Coyote
- Start date
ceebuddy
Well-Known Member
The only unsual vinyl roof on Imperials that I would know of was the V1M burgundy vinyl roof available for the 1971 models. This material's red color tended to fade due to exposure to the sun's UV rays and thereby reveal a floral pattern, which is why this vinyl roof color choice was discontinued in late 1970.
You might check the Color and Trim Guides for Imperials in the Library section at www.hamtramck-historical.com for vinyl roof "swatch" images.
CBODY67
CBODY67
Wile E Coyote
Super Genius
I did. Its not listed there but you know Ma'Mopar; never say never... Just thought I'd throw this question out there and see if anyone had any experiences or knowledge of those "one-ofs"....
If you want it and can get the Gator grain, go for it.
imperialist440
New Member
Imperials had Levant grained vinyl tops, at least through 1973.
Wile E Coyote
Super Genius
Thank you Sir! I didn't know the official name of it. That'll help the upholsterer hunt it down when I finally get to that point!
Rare Burgundy "Un-Paisley" Vinyl Roof Treatment Offered on 1971 Imperial LeBa
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So, what's the deal with the 'un-paisley' top (discussed here: So, is this the only known paisley top C body?), how can fading vinyl turn into this?, did Chrysler use left over material and poorly covered it up with burgundy colour over the top?
ceebuddy
Well-Known Member
There was a writeup on this vinyl roof in the Collectible Automobile magazine article on Fuselage Imperials. The roof material was specifically developed to look like an old Italian leather that has a very subtle print. All looked fine but the production involved printing red color over the others. As the sun's UV rays would eat up the red, the other colors of the print became very dominant.
So yes, the somewhat floral design showing through that much was never intended and it became a recall. Owners could choose to have it replaced with a black or white roof for free.
But no, it was not leftover vinyl material turned Imperial roof by some shrewd vinyl company selling their recycled trash to unwary Chrysler procurement.
So yes, the somewhat floral design showing through that much was never intended and it became a recall. Owners could choose to have it replaced with a black or white roof for free.
But no, it was not leftover vinyl material turned Imperial roof by some shrewd vinyl company selling their recycled trash to unwary Chrysler procurement.
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