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T-Top molding question

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Old Jan 12, 2005 | 11:37 AM
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Default T-Top molding question

Anybody ever remove the t-top molding for painting purposes and reinstall it correctly? I've never seen them put back on that looked like it did from the factory. Special tools maybe? Any tips offered would be appreciated.
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Old Jan 12, 2005 | 12:37 PM
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I'd like to know how this is done also. Can you even buy them?
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Old Jan 12, 2005 | 12:39 PM
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screwdrivers, if my memory serves me correctly, is the only tool you'd need
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Old Jan 12, 2005 | 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Corz
screwdrivers, if my memory serves me correctly, is the only tool you'd need
I guess I could use a screw drive and a hammer to remove them but what about putting them back on a new paint job without screwing up the paint or the molding? Thanks
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by shamby
I'd like to know how this is done also. Can you even buy them?

Oh well shamby, I guess it can't be done or at least nobody has been able to do it to where "they" think its been done correctly. I'm not going to put a screwdriver on mine until some other advice has been given.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 08:29 AM
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Are you talking about the stainless steel T shaped piece?
It is secured at the rear with a pop rivet in addtion to the screws. At the factory sealant was applied behind the windshield and on the framing at the rear of the t-top openings. This sealant is holding the stainless steel down once the fasteners are removed. I just started at the rear slowly lifting the piece up and pushed a putty knife under the t shaped piece to cut the old sealant.
Roger
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 08:41 AM
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I'm asking about the t-top itselfs trim that runs from the front to over the door glass. After I reread the post it wasn't clear which piece I was asking about. Sorry. The top itself there are 2 of them one for the passenger side one for the drivers side. Thanks
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 09:53 AM
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EVERYONE HERE THINKS YOUR REFERING TO THE MOLDING UNDER THE T TOPS!! so did i! if your refering to the trim around the t tops it comes right off. i believe mine has a screw holding it on and its crimped. mine was removed when the tops got painted and it looks like a factory job,after re-installation,,, i thought you meant the wide rim that in under the tops.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 11:52 AM
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Wait for the paint to throughly dry. Then I used a rubber hammer to gently tap the trim back in place. It helps to start on one end and gently work your way around the T-top.

Good luck.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by carl a
EVERYONE HERE THINKS YOUR REFERING TO THE MOLDING UNDER THE T TOPS!! so did i! if your refering to the trim around the t tops it comes right off. i believe mine has a screw holding it on and its crimped. mine was removed when the tops got painted and it looks like a factory job,after re-installation,,, i thought you meant the wide rim that in under the tops.
I hope your not getting upset with me there carla, I think shamby understood what I was asking as he's interested also. I reposted trying to make it clear it was the molding on the tops I was refering too, sorry if I confused EVERYONE else. My 71's tops do not have any screws in them, but they may or maynot be crimped someway which is what I was asking about. Did you remove and install the trim on your tops yourself or did the body/paint shop do it? Thanks for the reply rponfick, how much "luck" does it take to keep from messin up the new paint? Thanks
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 01:44 PM
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I was being flippant with the Good Luck. Of the two or 3 that I've done, no problem with chipping or anything. Always used hard drying urethane paints. If you don't put filler or excess coats of thick primer on the edges, you will be OK. Ralph.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 01:56 PM
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Thanks rponfick, that's the answer I was looking for.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 02:03 PM
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I just pulled them of the 77 and mine are 2 pieces on each top. the front is cripped on and run just across the front. The sides are rivited on under the weatherstripping. I had to pull the screws out that held the weatherstrip track on, which were accessable through holes in the weatherstripping. Lifted that out of the way, and drilled out the rivits that held the trim on.

As for putting them back on, not sure yet, havent got that far.
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Old Jan 13, 2005 | 02:12 PM
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Any reccomendations as to where to buy this stuff? I'm missing the front (crimp'ed on piece) on my left side top as well as both the 1" pieces that connect the 2 pieces.
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