Refinishing Hard Top questions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 14
From: Vacaville, CA
Refinishing Hard Top questions
I just bought a used hard top off the internet since mine was missing when I bought my vette. It is in "good" condition, but needs to be repainted and needs to have a new headliner installed.
In order to paint the top I need to carefully remove the metal trim piece that wraps around the sides and front.
The questions I have are as follows:
1) How do I remove the trim piece without bending it. Should I use a heat gun to soften the glue.
2) I was told by a corvette top specialist that I should use stripper to remove the current paint. But, I have also heard that the stripper softens fiberglass. I know that sanding can leave flat spots. If I use stripper is there a special brand or do I just use the hardware store brand?
3) How do I remove the headliner? With a heat gun?
4) Lastly, what type of glue do I use to reinstall the headliner and the metal trim strip after re-painting the top?
Any inputs or advice from those that have experience with painting and/or refurbishing these tops would be great!!!!
Thanks, Blacky
In order to paint the top I need to carefully remove the metal trim piece that wraps around the sides and front.
The questions I have are as follows:
1) How do I remove the trim piece without bending it. Should I use a heat gun to soften the glue.
2) I was told by a corvette top specialist that I should use stripper to remove the current paint. But, I have also heard that the stripper softens fiberglass. I know that sanding can leave flat spots. If I use stripper is there a special brand or do I just use the hardware store brand?
3) How do I remove the headliner? With a heat gun?
4) Lastly, what type of glue do I use to reinstall the headliner and the metal trim strip after re-painting the top?
Any inputs or advice from those that have experience with painting and/or refurbishing these tops would be great!!!!
Thanks, Blacky
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by BlackRocket
I just bought a used hard top off the internet since mine was missing when I bought my vette. It is in "good" condition, but needs to be repainted and needs to have a new headliner installed.
In order to paint the top I need to carefully remove the metal trim piece that wraps around the sides and front.
The questions I have are as follows:
1) How do I remove the trim piece without bending it. Should I use a heat gun to soften the glue.
2) I was told by a corvette top specialist that I should use stripper to remove the current paint. But, I have also heard that the stripper softens fiberglass. I know that sanding can leave flat spots. If I use stripper is there a special brand or do I just use the hardware store brand?
3) How do I remove the headliner? With a heat gun?
4) Lastly, what type of glue do I use to reinstall the headliner and the metal trim strip after re-painting the top?
Any inputs or advice from those that have experience with painting and/or refurbishing these tops would be great!!!!
Thanks, Blacky
In order to paint the top I need to carefully remove the metal trim piece that wraps around the sides and front.
The questions I have are as follows:
1) How do I remove the trim piece without bending it. Should I use a heat gun to soften the glue.
2) I was told by a corvette top specialist that I should use stripper to remove the current paint. But, I have also heard that the stripper softens fiberglass. I know that sanding can leave flat spots. If I use stripper is there a special brand or do I just use the hardware store brand?
3) How do I remove the headliner? With a heat gun?
4) Lastly, what type of glue do I use to reinstall the headliner and the metal trim strip after re-painting the top?
Any inputs or advice from those that have experience with painting and/or refurbishing these tops would be great!!!!
Thanks, Blacky
2. I just used aircraft paint stripper, quick on, quick off. Light sanding in long strokes covering the full top.
3. Headliner: just peeled it off then cleaned with adhesive remover.
4. Headliner: 3m heavy duty adhesive spray, and for trim: clear weatherstrip adhesive.
Hope it helps... the more time you spend the better it will be
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
Don't use a putty knife to scrape the paint and straipper .use a
body filler card,
Don't let the stripper harden you will never get it off.
Don't do it in the sun and wear gloves.
I use Laquer thinner along with adhesive remover to take off the glue but don't get on the foam.
Thats all folks!
body filler card,
Don't let the stripper harden you will never get it off.
Don't do it in the sun and wear gloves.
I use Laquer thinner along with adhesive remover to take off the glue but don't get on the foam.
Thats all folks!
