Preping for paint
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
Preping for paint
I'm going to be removing exterior items from my 69 Vette this weekend in preparation for a repaint and I'm wondering how the chrome trim pieces that fit around the outer edges of the T-tops is supposed to be removed without damaging the trim or the top. Also wondering if the only way to remove the "CORVETTE" lettering on the back of the car is to pull the tail lights. BTW, I noticed that the exhaust bezels are available in either chrome or stainless at the same price. Which is preferable? My instincts say stainless, but what's the reason for both types being available?
TIA
TIA
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
The trim on the t-top is screwed and riveted in place. If you pull the weather strip you will see the rivets, you will have to drill those out.
You dont have to remove the tail lights to get the Corvette emblems off. (thoguh removing them for a repaint is a good idea anyway)
Drop the spare tire carrier you will see the small acorn nuts that hold the letters in place.
The factory exhaust bezels where chromed pot metal, rust easily in salty conditions, the stainless gives you a longer lasting solution, though not factory "correct" version.
Nick
You dont have to remove the tail lights to get the Corvette emblems off. (thoguh removing them for a repaint is a good idea anyway)
Drop the spare tire carrier you will see the small acorn nuts that hold the letters in place.
The factory exhaust bezels where chromed pot metal, rust easily in salty conditions, the stainless gives you a longer lasting solution, though not factory "correct" version.
Nick
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
LVRPOOL32 is right, the side piece of trim and the little connector are riveted to the top but the front piece of trim is crimped on and is tricky to get off and even trickier to get back on without denting it or scratching your new paint. Many painters leave that piece on and 'feather' the paint into it so there's not to much paint build-up at the edge of the trim. The devil IS in the details.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 9
From: Salinas Ca.
I removed my T-top trim without to much difficulity. Two things to consider.
1. Once it's off, you can polish the stainless properly.
2. Secondly, I'm seen repainted T-tops after approx. a couple of years use...and the paint started to peel back
. Paint, likes to wrap!!
I slowly tapped mine off, and inturn, slowly tapped it back on without any problems.
Muddy
1. Once it's off, you can polish the stainless properly.
2. Secondly, I'm seen repainted T-tops after approx. a couple of years use...and the paint started to peel back
. Paint, likes to wrap!! I slowly tapped mine off, and inturn, slowly tapped it back on without any problems.
Muddy
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
The car is being painted the same color, so maybe, after examination, I will leave the trim on the tops and have the painter mask them. I went through a similar experience with the stainless steel bright trim on the rain gutters on my son's 69 Mustang fastback. Had to carefully use an old fashioned beer can opener to remove and replace the pieces. If you damaged them even slightly, they look like crap. Sounds like the same situation with those T-top trims. Thanks for the prompt replies.
Muddy. Thanks for the additional info. I agree that I'd like to get clean, fresh paint under those things. Anytime you paint up to a feature it provides a great place to start chipping.
Muddy. Thanks for the additional info. I agree that I'd like to get clean, fresh paint under those things. Anytime you paint up to a feature it provides a great place to start chipping.
Last edited by RagTop69; Nov 8, 2007 at 05:59 PM.
