so my rag top is just startin to split and look nasty. should i even try and re-do it myself

I replaced the top on my 66 valiant (/6) back when I was a beginning wrencher. It was pretty easy. Make sure you line up everything. Don't commit anything until you have to, and tack in the top lightly at first. You be OK. Try to get a glass rear window if poss. As soon as I put the new top on, the local hood rats slashed it with a razor. Between stealing the radios. Good times.

I replaced mine without any major problems. Make sure you keep the old top for reference. Also, do yourself a favor and order new tack strips. It will make things much easier.

are these similar to istalling film tint. is it glued all the way down, or just stretched over? and find a back window? this isnt to be confused wit a convertable ragtop either...

I think we've got a terminology problem here. "Rag top" means a convertible. It refers either to the car itself ("Yeah, I've got a '63 Dart GT ragtop") or to the top ("The ragtop on my '63 Dart GT needs replacing"). It does not refer to a vinyl-covered hardtop like the one on your Valiant. Those are called vinyl tops or vinyl roofs. Replacing one is a big job that is easy to mess up, but if you have a good-quality replacement vinyl top, a warm and dry location, plenty of time and patience, and appropriate adhesive, you can probably do a satisfactory job of it.

You may want to think seriously about stripping off the remains of the old vinyl top, sanding, priming, and painting the roof of the car, either the lower-body colour or whatever top colour you want (white, black, contrasting colour, whatever). It's usually a lot easier and less costly...and more permanent!

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