Don't want to mess up my paint with Hardtop
03-11-2018, 05:13 PM
#1
Don't want to mess up my paint with Hardtop
Does anyone have any experience with their removable hardtop leaving indentations scuffs on their paint and if so have you found a fool proof way to prevent them? I love the look of my hardtop, but don't want to mess my paint up.
Ive seen the static cling 3m product. Has any one used those successfully also.
Ive seen the static cling 3m product. Has any one used those successfully also.
Last edited by 72C3LS5; 03-11-2018 at 05:14 PM.
03-11-2018, 07:42 PM
#2
Racer
Member Since: Nov 2010
Location: Brisbane Australia
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I've used the 3m style protection vinyl film on my 68 ever since I first got the car. The hard top is rarely on it so I actually remove the film when not in use. Key is to get the one specific for the hardtop, as the rubbers on it of course do not match the softtops shape. Stops all the scratching from grit getting between the rubber and the paint, that I know all about from the one time I though I'd be fine without it on a long drive.
Last edited by azza2u; 03-11-2018 at 07:43 PM.
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72C3LS5 (03-11-2018)
03-11-2018, 08:10 PM
#3
I've used the 3m style protection vinyl film on my 68 ever since I first got the car. The hard top is rarely on it so I actually remove the film when not in use. Key is to get the one specific for the hardtop, as the rubbers on it of course do not match the softtops shape. Stops all the scratching from grit getting between the rubber and the paint, that I know all about from the one time I though I'd be fine without it on a long drive.
03-11-2018, 08:41 PM
#4
Racer
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Location: Brisbane Australia
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Yeah, the stuff I used that I got from one of the vendors was a fairly thick vinyl film that does nto have adhesive on it but rather 'clings' to the body. Even driving without the top on it stayed on there but can easily be peeled off if needed.
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72C3LS5 (03-11-2018)
03-13-2018, 07:33 AM
#5
Race Director
There's a permanent mark in the paint from where the hardtop sat on my 75 for most of its life.
Last edited by derekderek; 03-13-2018 at 07:34 AM.
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72C3LS5 (03-14-2018)
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72C3LS5 (03-14-2018)
03-13-2018, 09:36 AM
#8
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: Russell Ontario
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St. Jude Donor '09
When I 1st got my 70 the hard top was on , got rid of it the same day , it's in my back garage, but I see a bad gauge in the paint from the PO , every time I see that scratch I keep telling myself , I'll never put it on . This pic is when I just got it
Attachment 48353762
Attachment 48353762
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72C3LS5 (03-14-2018)
03-17-2018, 09:00 PM
#9
Instructor
I use home door weatherstrip on my 68
I have tried to use the static type protectors but they don't stay on well and lose their static.
I have found that if you buy a typical rubber door weather strip from you hardware store which I think is 1/4 or 1/2 inch and has a sticky side. This fits perfectly in the groove of the convertible top weather strip where the convertible top meets the deck lid. It will stay stuck into the weather strip groove pretty well and it is thick enough to give you the protection between the hardtop and the paint.
Not costly so you can remove it when you store the top and use again or just replace it.
I have found that if you buy a typical rubber door weather strip from you hardware store which I think is 1/4 or 1/2 inch and has a sticky side. This fits perfectly in the groove of the convertible top weather strip where the convertible top meets the deck lid. It will stay stuck into the weather strip groove pretty well and it is thick enough to give you the protection between the hardtop and the paint.
Not costly so you can remove it when you store the top and use again or just replace it.
03-17-2018, 10:55 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
No matter what you do to protect that paint, your deck lid is going to get scratched. Even the soft top will scratch your new paint, but not as bad or quickly as the hardtop. If you use the 3m vinyl, it will definitely help, but will not prevent all scratches. My hardtop was on my '72 for years before they came out with the 3m stuff, and I actually have a groove through the paint and into the fiberglass in a couple of spots. Too late for me unless I strip, repair, and repaint the deck lid. Just make sure your weatherstrip on the hardtop and ragtop is new. If it's old and collapsed (squished) from age, something other than the weatherstripping is going to contact that new paint job and it won't be pretty. Good luck.
Duane
Duane
