To honor the first-generation Dodge Challenger, some owners of the current model are asking auto upholstery shops to install vinyl tops on their roofs.
They’ve even gone so far as to use original boar-grain vinyl – though I’d like to see a version with the more rare alligator-grain vinyl. While some shops are using color-key molding to finish the vinyl on the quarter panels, others are opting for the chrome appearance of Vicar’s mock-top molding.
Personally, I wouldn’t do it if it was my car, but the customer’s always right – right?
What do you think? Tell us in the comments section below. If vinyl tops aren’t your thing? How about a custom convertible top?
Honestly, I think it’s pretty cool! I too would like to see the gator vinyl but the boar grain is pretty sweet on them! I think that does bring the retro back to the new design!
I kind of like it.I think vinyl tops look great on some body styles. Especially tops with no padding. That being said,if this becomes a huge trend, I reserve the right to retract my statements.
that looks sick
Have always liked vinyl tops. I think it is very cool, and especially on these retro cars. Dig it!!
I think they look great ! it’s only a new challenger it’s not like your trashing a classic .
The more I look at these pictures the vinyl top look is starting to grow on me. I’d like to see it up close though to see how they finished the vinyl edge in the front by the windshield.
NOT!!
That looks great! lets see it on a plum crazy purple car. Yeah…
Always wanted the black top…going back in the days. Probing shops in this area that put one on. RT Classic with vinyl top will define tally look cool – if you fit in the Ole school ways.
I have a customer interested in doing this. I have yet to find a shop here in central Wisconsin that has done it before. Any idea of where he could take his car?
Did you ever find someone to do it?
I like ….no love it!! 5 years later and it still looks like new. I’m Bias tho….the silver one is mine.
Where did you have it done and where did the chrome come from? I would love to do this, but don’t want a hack job. And if you don’t mind, what was the ballpark price? Thanks.
Olathe,kansas
G&J auto trim.
It was less than $1000.00 That was 5 years ago.
Still looks brand new
Still in love with it
I’m in Eudora and was glad to see an Olathe shop did the work. G&J is an upholstery shop, so it’s a real vinyl top and not a wrap?
What did it cost you? I have a 2011 RT white in color. I would want the Black vinyl
Back in the seventies, when I started in the auto trim business, I was installing an average or six vinyl tops a day on new cars. I don’t particularly like the look of a vinyl top on the new Challenger, but a resurgence of a trend is always good for business.
I think it looks great. I was wondering how it would look and now I know! I was looking at YouTube and this guy got a totalled Challenger that was hail damage he put rhino liner on the car to cover the damage. It would of been cheaper to put on a vinyl top and replace the hood and tunk than do what he did.
Have always preferred vinyl tops on my MoPars. Just had one installed on my ’70 ‘Cuda that didn’t come with one. It didn’t look right without it!
I would not do it I had a 71 Challenger back in the 70s with it and didn’t like it so No it’s not my look,,,, but if ya like it on your car do it
I would not do it I had a 71 Challenger back in the 70s with it and didn’t like it so No it’s not my look,,,, but if ya like it on your car do it
Had a blue 1970 challenger with a white roof. My x wife sold it &$@“!’ So now I will put one on my new 2016 dark blue challenger next spring ( old man in his second childhood ) james
I have a 2016 SXT. I would add a vinyl top in a heartbeat if I could find a craftsman to do it.
Mike, We can definitely do that for you, and I love the look, so would have a blast doing it. If you’re in the NJ area get in touch .. info@creativeautointeriors.com
I love that alligator grain top, anyone know of a place that would do that in California?
My 2008 SRT8 went into the shop last Thursday 12/5/2019. Hemi orange color. Of course black vinyl top. I to ask for the alligator skin style. Owner said he couldn’t get that any more. So the typical blackbvinyl top is going on. Having this done in Atlanta, GA. Living in Aiken, SC. So had to travel some to get it worked on. Should have it this next Thursday Dec. 12th. Looking forward to the retro look.
What shop in atlanta did the work?
LOVE this!! Takes a hot car and makes it even hotter, and even more retro.
Our shop used to do anywhere from 5 – 15 vinyl tops a week.. they were a good money maker…. now we do maybe 3 – 5 a year.
So I’m looking for shops that do vinyl wraps to do the faux vinyl roof on a newer Challenger in the KC area. Prefer on the Kansas side. Please email me with details.
Love it! Where can I get a kit?
Love the look ran a body shop back in the late 70’sand 80’s
we put tops on cars to make them look more expensive and classier.
must have done 3 or 4 a week. Would like to know where to get the
trim might would like to do a few myself..