Painting the acrylic top. Step by Step guide.
#1
Painting the acrylic top. Step by Step guide.
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
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
#2
Race Director
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.
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.
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Markever234 (05-01-2018)
#3
Team Owner
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.
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Markever234 (05-01-2018)
#4
#5
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.
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.
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.
#6
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.
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Markever234 (05-01-2018)
#7
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Oct 2003
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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.
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Markever234 (05-01-2018)
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Markever234 (05-01-2018)
#10
regular body panels? Did you use 3M vinyl?
Last edited by Markever234; 04-20-2018 at 08:51 PM.
#11
Team Owner
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Markever234 (05-01-2018)
#12
of time looking for a lens.. I havent seen anything that seems like it
could be what you are talking about.
#13
Team Owner