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Before I had my 72 repainted you could see where the convertible top wore through the paint on the decklid.
A friend's 72 had a large gouge in his decklid from his convertible top (previous owner damage).
I put my convertible top up (with new weatherstrip) and drove it a few times and have left it up for several weeks in the garage. When I lowered it I could see a line on the decklid. I don't think it wore the paint enough to leave a mark but don't want to damage the paint like it was before.
Has anyone used the static cling decklid protectors that sticks on the decklid where the rear bow contacts the decklid?
Yes, I use the static cling vinyl deck protector and it works. I see no "shadow" of where the weatherstrip rubs on the deck.
The protector comes in two pieces. Easier to set in place when it is warm (place in plastic baggie, run hot water over baggie to make protector pliable.) Make certain it is centered under the weatherstrip before you do the final "click" into place of your soft-top.
I have not. I thought about them, but don't really know if I would like it with the top down. I think C5s have something similar? I'd also be interested in some experience with them.
My convertible top does not seal tight at the back, which is the way I like it and it prevents marking the paint. Unfortunately, my hardtop screwed up the paint on the decklid I now use the vinyl protector with the hardtop to prevent further damage, but it is a little too late.
I stronly recommend using the stuff to protect the paint. It is easy to leave a mark.
I thought about them, but don't really know if I would like it with the top down.
The protector I have comes off when the top goes down. It's easy to take up, fold carefully, and store it in a baggie for the next time you need to put the top up.
I used one for a while. It would not stay on when the top is down. It got to be a pain to keep putting it on/off. If your weatherstrip is in good condition and you keep the car and strip clean it should not scratch up the paint to bad. I have not used it for years and it only has minor scratches. The car is driven and not a show car. If you have a dark color the scratches will show up more. Once you get a few nicks in the paint you do not get as concerned as when it is new.
I repainted my car and put the hard top on to take it to a show interstate. On return there was a gouge and rubber marking with a slight indent in the paint. Most of it cut out and is not really noticeable, but wish I used the protectors I had previously bought. There is one for the soft top and one for the hard top. Both are in two pieces and fit pretty good, would like to see a one piece though. Since using the protector no marks are evident. I do not leave it on permanently because moisture may interfere with the paint like the nose protectors can.
Has anyone tried that 3M film that they use to protect the front of vehicles?I wonder if it would be possible to cover the entire decklid and if it would hold up?
I mostly leave the top down but there are occassions when temps necessitate putting the top up. I'll put the static cling on and check it frequently.
Fortunately I live in an arid climate so moisture buildup should be minimal. I keep her in the garage and don't drive her if its raining (unless I get caught out somewhere).