I think all you need to do is to remove all trim that separated the vinyl from the paint, grind-down the studs that fastened them, smooth whats left w/ mud and paint. I think this is basically just the trim behind the rear window that wraps across the trunk lid.

 

There are a few fastener holes that need to be welded up - one at either end of the trunk trim and a couple on each side on the quarter panel. The weld studs are easy to grind off.

 

IDK why you wouldn't just make it into a two tone (paint) car and leave the trim alone.

 

 

not sure if its auveco or ? but the little t studs are available aftermarket and the have a small thread on them you turn in with a phllips to attach the plastic clips that go in the trim pieces, or actually snap in to the trim pieces

 

What "gaps where the vinyl once was" are you referring to then? Do you mean "pits" in the roof, A- and C-pillar metal underneath where the vinyl was once glued? If so, then yes, that needs to be sanded and smoothed with body filler. I don't think you need to remove any chrome trim from the drip rails to do that though.

Or are you referring to gaps in the drip-rail chrome trim where the vinyl was once tucked-under? If so, that's a good question. I think that it would just be a matter of crimping the trim tighter on the drip rails to close that gap. I've never removed the drip rail chrome trim, so I don't know how hard that is to do (or if it is even advisable).

 

 

There used to be a kit to use with a wrinkle painted roof that included tape to make it look like a vinyl roof. No problem with rust after that.