T top Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 2
From: Milton Delaware
T top Question
Getting ready to finally paint my '73 to a beautiful yellow. Was originally that mustard gold color and now a "Earl Scheib Special Paint Job Red". Yuck! Anyway, my question is concerning the T Top area. Just behind the T Top there is a valley (after the chrome trim) and I want to know what is filled in there. Kind of think that originally there was some kind of sealant. Do any one know? Would like to make sure I put the correct stuff there if there is. Have any pictures woud be appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,248
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi MOS,
I believe there was a bead of black sealer in that space between the trim pieces and painted fiberglass. It turned gray over the years, I guess from exposure to the elements.
The chrome pieces and stainless center piece squished down on the sealer and what was left was smoothed out, but could still be seen with the trim in place.
Regards,
Alan
I believe there was a bead of black sealer in that space between the trim pieces and painted fiberglass. It turned gray over the years, I guess from exposure to the elements.
The chrome pieces and stainless center piece squished down on the sealer and what was left was smoothed out, but could still be seen with the trim in place.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 7, 2010 at 12:34 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
sealent
When I did my restoration I removed the S/S ttop trim. The factory used a grayish putty like sealant that was still pliable after 40 years.
I think it was called Plastisol. I'm not sure you can still get it. I used 3M automotive bedding and glazing compound which stays pliable also.
I think it was called Plastisol. I'm not sure you can still get it. I used 3M automotive bedding and glazing compound which stays pliable also.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 2
From: Milton Delaware
Sealant
Thanks guys. That helps out. I wasn't planning on taking off the T Top chrome trim to paint the car. You all think I should? I also take it that the sealant can be painted where it is exposed. Right?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,248
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi MOS,
No,the sealant stays soft and thus doesn't accept paint.
If you drill out the 2 small rivets that go from the ends of the large 'T' shaped piece of ss trim into the 2 long thin pieces of chrome trim the trim is pretty easy to take off. The interior soft trim pieces under the halo do need to be taken off to get to the screws that hold the long thin pieces on.
The first picture shows what you see when you take both the large piece and the 2 long thin pieces off. You may not want to take the large 'T' shaped piece completely off because that involves the trim around the windshield.
You can just see one of the rivets in the fourth picture
Not too big a job.
Regards,
Alan
No,the sealant stays soft and thus doesn't accept paint.
If you drill out the 2 small rivets that go from the ends of the large 'T' shaped piece of ss trim into the 2 long thin pieces of chrome trim the trim is pretty easy to take off. The interior soft trim pieces under the halo do need to be taken off to get to the screws that hold the long thin pieces on.
The first picture shows what you see when you take both the large piece and the 2 long thin pieces off. You may not want to take the large 'T' shaped piece completely off because that involves the trim around the windshield.
You can just see one of the rivets in the fourth picture
Not too big a job.
Regards,
Alan
