Remove chrome on roof panels/Frame
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 840
Likes: 19
From: Oshawa
Remove chrome on roof panels/Frame
Shortly I'll be preparing may car for paint, I need help, tips aor knacks with two items, (1971):
Removing the chrome and weather strip from the t-top roof panels
Removing the chrome from all around the roof frame and windshield frame (need to replace top portion of frame)
Any help that will make this job go easier would be appreaciated.
Removing the chrome and weather strip from the t-top roof panels
Removing the chrome from all around the roof frame and windshield frame (need to replace top portion of frame)
Any help that will make this job go easier would be appreaciated.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
I've got a 79, but I assume it is either the same or very simular.
Chrome WS molding - side pieces unscrew, screws maybe under weatherstrip
WS top mold - 2 clips on each end, from the ends pry straight up & the molding will pop out.
T strip chrome - screws on the front, on the back mine had a pop rivet on each side, these have to be drilled out.
WS corner, T-top locator - 4 screws, 2 front & 2 rear. In most cases the WS must be removed to access the front 2. Corner mold may be stuck down with old crud, WS adhesive, black tar like GM goo, etc. Pry carefully from underneath as the moldings are cheap cast items & the edges will break.
Chrome WS molding - side pieces unscrew, screws maybe under weatherstrip
WS top mold - 2 clips on each end, from the ends pry straight up & the molding will pop out.
T strip chrome - screws on the front, on the back mine had a pop rivet on each side, these have to be drilled out.
WS corner, T-top locator - 4 screws, 2 front & 2 rear. In most cases the WS must be removed to access the front 2. Corner mold may be stuck down with old crud, WS adhesive, black tar like GM goo, etc. Pry carefully from underneath as the moldings are cheap cast items & the edges will break.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 840
Likes: 19
From: Oshawa
Originally Posted by ratflinger
I've got a 79, but I assume it is either the same or very simular.
Chrome WS molding - side pieces unscrew, screws maybe under weatherstrip
WS top mold - 2 clips on each end, from the ends pry straight up & the molding will pop out.
T strip chrome - screws on the front, on the back mine had a pop rivet on each side, these have to be drilled out.
WS corner, T-top locator - 4 screws, 2 front & 2 rear. In most cases the WS must be removed to access the front 2. Corner mold may be stuck down with old crud, WS adhesive, black tar like GM goo, etc. Pry carefully from underneath as the moldings are cheap cast items & the edges will break.
Chrome WS molding - side pieces unscrew, screws maybe under weatherstrip
WS top mold - 2 clips on each end, from the ends pry straight up & the molding will pop out.
T strip chrome - screws on the front, on the back mine had a pop rivet on each side, these have to be drilled out.
WS corner, T-top locator - 4 screws, 2 front & 2 rear. In most cases the WS must be removed to access the front 2. Corner mold may be stuck down with old crud, WS adhesive, black tar like GM goo, etc. Pry carefully from underneath as the moldings are cheap cast items & the edges will break.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Springhill Kansas
be very very careful with the ttop pieces as the bend and deform and then will be a pain in the ace to put back on and a real good way to chip your paint, as i did, not bad though, but something to watch out for. they suck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
The trim on yout t-top roof panels have a rivet holding them on. You will be able to remove the trim until reaching the rivet located on the front inside end. Many painters tape it in place to avoid paint damage on reassembly. Also, if you decide to grind the rivet for trim removal, have a plan for installation. After considering all options, you may decide to leave it in place.
My 69 coupe has 10 clips holding the top WS s/s trip in place. Pry straight up very carefully and evenly across the strip to avoid damage. I assume your 71 is the same. Everything else is the same as advised and as I remember. Don't forget to post your experience for the next guy.
My 69 coupe has 10 clips holding the top WS s/s trip in place. Pry straight up very carefully and evenly across the strip to avoid damage. I assume your 71 is the same. Everything else is the same as advised and as I remember. Don't forget to post your experience for the next guy.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte North Carolina
The screws at the WS corner are blocked by the glass, Try to get them with a small flat screw driver on a angle.Little patience they"ll come loose.If your already taking the glass out, not a problem.
