Stripping the tops
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Stripping the tops
Why do most things that I end up doing to this car sound so dirty?
Anyway, I am using Citristrip to strip the paint from the car. Well I have gotten to the T-tops.
I am perplexed on how to remove the chrome trim from around the tops. Along the edge that meets the window, there is a part that is screwed in, but under that, the trim is riveted to the top along that edge. However, it looks like the rest of it is kind of pinched together.
Any suggestions on how to remove the trim and then how do I get it back together? Is there a specialty tool? Is there a special glue?
Here are some pics of what I am taking about.
Thanks,
KO
Anyway, I am using Citristrip to strip the paint from the car. Well I have gotten to the T-tops.
I am perplexed on how to remove the chrome trim from around the tops. Along the edge that meets the window, there is a part that is screwed in, but under that, the trim is riveted to the top along that edge. However, it looks like the rest of it is kind of pinched together.
Any suggestions on how to remove the trim and then how do I get it back together? Is there a specialty tool? Is there a special glue?
Here are some pics of what I am taking about.
Thanks,
KO
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
I pulled the trim off mine over a year ago but haven't reinstalled it yet. To remove it, I took out all the screws, drilled the rivets and drove out away from the panel using a putty knife.
It seems like it is on the panel with a butyl tape seal from the factory.
I thought of reinstalling it with some kind of silicone bead along the inside of the trim, new screws and rivets.
It seems like it is on the panel with a butyl tape seal from the factory.
I thought of reinstalling it with some kind of silicone bead along the inside of the trim, new screws and rivets.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
yep, slightly unfold the small stainless tab, and drill out the rivets.
use a putty knife and work it out away from the panel.
they fit tight ! 69VETT
use a putty knife and work it out away from the panel.
they fit tight ! 69VETT
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
After you remove the trim, you will notice a little lip on the edge of the fiberglass along the front of the top. It almost looks like a little paint drip build-up across the front of the top (can you get a visual?). This little thicker spot helps hold the front trim piece in place with friction after you are done refinishing the tops. Don't sand that lip off during paint prep, and your trim will fit on nice and snug when you are done. I had to pry my new repop pieces open just a little to get them to slide on without scratching the new paint, but it was a pretty simple process.
I also have to add that you are the MAN! I can't believe that I'm giving you advice. What you have done to your car is so far over my head that I can only imagine your talent and guts! Keep it up. You have inspired alot of Forum members, including me!
Temvette72
I also have to add that you are the MAN! I can't believe that I'm giving you advice. What you have done to your car is so far over my head that I can only imagine your talent and guts! Keep it up. You have inspired alot of Forum members, including me!
Temvette72
