Markever234

Fellas,

Ive seen a few thread on here about painting the acrylic top, but none that I have found really went into detail about what all was involved.
I'm an absolute novice when it comes to painting(along with most car
related topics) Any help about the steps to accomplish my mission would be appreciated...oh.. and my goal is to have the top completely black, as if it were a regular roof panel.

Heres what I'm thinking... correct me if I go a-stray.

Step 1. Sand/agitate the surface = Gray scotchbrite pad.
Step 2. Primer. = Black primer. (Regular or flexible surface?)
Step 3. Let dry
Step 4. Base coat = Semi Gloss Black x 3 coats. Letting dry between coats.
Step 5. Let dry.
Step 6. Gloss clear coat x 3. (No idea what type to use?)

Thoughts?

Thanks as always

-- Mark

FAUEE

First question... why?

If the top is in good shape, sell it and buy a painted top. If the top is crazed, save yourself the hassle and wrap it with gloss black vinyl.

c4cruiser

Unless there is some damage to the acrylic material (cracks, scratches, gouges, etc., IMHO, it would be a better idea to find a solid top and paint it to match the car. Remember that there are 3 different mounting bracket styles depending on the year of the car.

Part of the problems with painting the clear top is that the original color tint depending on the year (blue or bronze) may show thru on the inside. That could be fixed by painting the interior side of the clear top.

Markever234

Good idea! Any idea if the process would be the same as on
regular body panels?

Markever234

Well I would, but the price is the biggest issue. Painting would probably
cost around $100.00 and roof panels are 500+... If I did paint it I would
use a black primer to make it look "stock" from the inside.

daverulz

Agreed with Fauee. A better approach is to wrap it. It's a simple shape and would take less time, less effort, and would be 100% reversible. You're talking not even 50 dollars worth of material to do that job. Youtube will give you all the information you need on how to do it.

vettehardt

I can't help with the actual prep or paint job, but i do know it can be done. I bought a 91 last fall that had the clear top painted. I know the owner that had it done and here was his reasons. First, he is 6'5" and the clear top offers more head room vs the fiberglass top even if you remove the headliner. Second, he didn't want to roast from the sun because of the top. Now if I ever decide to go back to the clear top, I assume i will have to have new acrylic put in. But the way it is now works OK for me.

Markever234

Thanks again for the help, guys. I will be looking into how to wrap it instead of painting.

bob arrowsmith

i had the same problem, thought about painting, but wrapped instead with carbon fiber,, looks great and and can come off if need be..

Markever234

Thats great to know. Is wrapping the acrylic any different then wrapping
regular body panels? Did you use 3M vinyl?

aklim

Why? If you have the acrylic one, I believe Melrose will relense it or sell you a lens you can put in.

Markever234

Any chance it could be called something else? Ive spent a good bit
of time looking for a lens.. I havent seen anything that seems like it
could be what you are talking about.

aklim

Drop the proverbial dime and give them a call. They might do stuff not listed on the site.