Tee-Tops question

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Jul 17, 2015 | 09:44 AM

rdroket

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Racer

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 410

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From: Wisconsin Rapids wisconsin

Tee-Tops question

I am in the process of repainting my 1976 tee-tops. How do you remove the chrome molding from around the outside edge of the t-top?

Jul 17, 2015 | 10:43 AM

gjohnson

Drifting

Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Denver CO

The sides are held in w/screws but the front is crimped on.

Jul 17, 2015 | 11:10 AM

Alan 71

Team Owner

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi rd,
As gj said easy to un-crimp to get it off….. but I'll add…. not so easy to get it back in place after the new paint…especially if there's a lot of paint on the edge of the panel.
Regards,
Alan

Jul 17, 2015 | 11:21 AM

65GGvert

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From: Kannapolis NC

I've never done it, but take a look at the video and see if it helps:

http://www.forum.corvette-restoratio...php?f=8&t=1330

Jul 17, 2015 | 06:43 PM

DUB

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From: Charlotte NC

I have removed them and re-installed them.

I have to AGREE with Alan71...when the front trim is going back on...it has to be modified to compensate for the added thickness of what was applied to the t-top panel. And it is a stressful experience...because if you do not get it right...you can roll up your paint and ruin your paint on your t-top..which makes removing the front trim...sometimes...counter productive.

DUB

Jul 18, 2015 | 12:53 PM

rdroket

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Wisconsin Rapids wisconsin

Thank you for the replys. I certainly appreciate it.

Jul 18, 2015 | 01:38 PM

Alan 71

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi,
This has become more of a problem as the thickness of the paints being applied to cars has increased.
It's less of a problem with an acrylic lacquer finish than with a bc/cc finish for example.
But it's still a chancy enough situation that some people decide to leave the front piece of the ss trim in place even with lacquer.
Regards,
Alan

Here's an example of painting the roof panel without removing the from ss trim. You can see 3 of the 'stake' crimp marks in the picture haven't been disturbed.

Jul 18, 2015 | 10:01 PM

Mod75

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From: Danville Illinois

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When i reinstalled the front ss trim i un-dimpled the stakes you can see in Alans picture.

Before reinstalling i ran a bar of hand soap along the trim part edge that goes by the paint, i do have lots of primmer/paint on the tops and thought why not. Worked out great.

After reinstalling i re-staked the the ss trim in the same places, and as Dub said it is a stressful experience dealing with the tops.