Deck Protector Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Clear Lake Texas
Deck Protector Question
I have purchased a hardtop and will be putting in on soon for the winter. I see these stick on plastic deck protectors in clear and black. Is anyone using one of these or are they a waste of money?
Thanks for your input.
Thanks for your input.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon PA
I use a clear one for the hard top and one for the convertible top. They are two different sizes. All I can tell you is I owned a 72 convertible years ago that I used year around. During the winter months I placed the hard top on. In three years time of daily driving the rubber on the hard top took the paint off right down to the fiberglass. If you don't use one plan on often cleaning the rubber weather strip that rests against deck lid. Dirt gets between the two and the slightest movement between the two can take the paint right off. It did on mine. When I got my 67, the first purchase I made was a deck lid protector for both tops.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 751
From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
they do work (at least for me....). there seem to be 2-piece (2 halves) and 1-piece versions, at least for C1's; i prefer the 1-piece for ease of handling but both work.
i thought the vendor versions were a bit thin, so i bought a yard of convertible top rear window material and used my vendor version to trace and cut a 1-piece from the thicker window material.
i highly recommend using something to keep the paint from wearing.
Bill
i thought the vendor versions were a bit thin, so i bought a yard of convertible top rear window material and used my vendor version to trace and cut a 1-piece from the thicker window material.
i highly recommend using something to keep the paint from wearing.
Bill
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 637
Likes: 2
From: Worthington Ohio
My 67 vert has some pretty significant wear marks and lines from the convertible top. So when I purchased the car, I bought a set for the convertible top and hard top and have always used them since. The telling thing for me is that mine, which are three years old, have very heavy yellow-brown stains where the rubber presses against them. For me, it's better that that is on the plastic versus my rear deck lid. One thing I can attest to - don't put the top down and leave the plastic strips in place because they fly off at about 35 mph! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 1
From: Reno NV
Deffinately Worth The Money.......
We have a two top 1966 Convertible; and when we bought the car it was pretty obvious where the wear marks were from both tops on the rear convertible deck. I'm getting the deck painted over the winter and will not put in place either top without a deck cover.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
I've used the single piece clear under my convertible top for ten years and have been pleased with the way it protects the paint. Although the top isn't up much and the car is stored four or five months a year, I'm sure it prevents damage to the paint since there is scuffing on the plastic shield. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 869
Likes: 4
From: huron ohio
I've used the single piece clear under my convertible top for ten years and have been pleased with the way it protects the paint. Although the top isn't up much and the car is stored four or five months a year, I'm sure it prevents damage to the paint since there is scuffing on the plastic shield.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,548
Likes: 36
From: Location, Location QC,NY
I also use the two piece clear static type on my '62 and am very pleased with it. I use a damp chamois first on the deck so it adheres better, they flap in the wind and lift off if not well stuck.
Paul
Paul
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon PA
This is a good idea for maintaining the rubber however, I found out that the grease helps hold the dirt that rubs the paint off. If you use the silicone grease make sure you clean it good at least once a month. You'll be surprised how much dirt it collects if you drive your car allot.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 192
From: nj
slick weatherstrip alternative
Yep the silicone does collect dust and grit. Only a hint of sili grease is required. I'm used to having the top off and on a lot and do clean and refresh the weatherstrip each time. Totally prevents the paint from geting a "hardtop groove".
Can't bring myself to use those plastic strips.
Can't bring myself to use those plastic strips.
