"Solid" Targa Top question

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Mar 14, 2012 | 04:25 PM

ejscarfo

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Melting Slicks

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From: Bay Shore, NY

"Solid" Targa Top question

I have both the acrylic and "solid" tops for my 85, not including the Rain Coat soft top which I hardly ever use. Anyway, I want to start using the solid top again, but because its faded and doesn't match the car anymore it just sitting in the garage collecting dust. The top still has somewhat of a shine, but is leaning more toward pink than red. You would of thought when they painted the car they would of painted the top. I can see some build up between the frame and the fiberglass, it looks like the top has been painted before however. So, I'm thinking that (a) I'd like to buff it out and see if I can bring the color back or (b) just paint it.

As I have little experience buffing fiberglass panels, does anyone have any tips? What's the best compound, etc. to use with a buffer?

Also, if I choose to paint it, the frame around the fiberglass is bonded to it, correct? Its not bolted together, or is it?

Mar 14, 2012 | 04:32 PM

Nowhere Man

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if the paint is faded then don't waist your time and effort on polishing. I would strip it and paint it. and yes its bonded together so leave it together

Mar 14, 2012 | 04:42 PM

ejscarfo

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Melting Slicks

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From: Bay Shore, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nowhere Man

if the paint is faded then don't waist your time and effort on polishing. I would strip it and paint it. and yes its bonded together so leave it together

Any tips on stripping the paint? I figured I'd just sand the clear coat off it, prime and paint.

Mar 14, 2012 | 05:05 PM

oldalaskaman

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try buffing that out first, red is an easy color to bring back and if its been sitting in your garage thats probly only dust build up.

Mar 15, 2012 | 11:15 AM

ejscarfo

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Melting Slicks

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From: Bay Shore, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldalaskaman

try buffing that out first, red is an easy color to bring back and if its been sitting in your garage thats probly only dust build up.

Well the top is on the horses and the buffer is ready to go. Hopefully, I'll get some time tonight to see how it comes out.

Mar 15, 2012 | 11:32 AM

oldalaskaman

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give it a good cleaning, dont want to grind any dirt into the paint.

Mar 15, 2012 | 11:44 AM

ejscarfo

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Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Bay Shore, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldalaskaman

give it a good cleaning, dont want to grind any dirt into the paint.

I've already wiped it down so its clean and all the dirt and dust is gone. The color is uniform, its just dull and faded.

Mar 15, 2012 | 11:48 AM

BSenzina

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From: West Palm Beach FL

Try buffing it out......doesnt cost much to try......if it doesnt work out to your satisfaction, paint it. even if you take it to a body shop, it wont cost much to do.