scratching paint on installing hard top?

[71cruiser71]

so does anyone have problems scraping there paint when taking off and putting on their hard tops? im using rattle can paint so it scratches and chips easily. any ideas on how to save the paint? i have yet to put on the top so i dont know how close or where the two mate at.

 

[Texx]

Just make sure you have a good strong helper or three. Most scratches come from striking the hard top posts against the rear quarters via misalignment with the holes.

 

[71cruiser71]

ya make sense... but what about when the top is actually on? where does the top and tub actually phisically meet?

 

[okie]

I would blue tape things off when assembling painted pieces and slide them out before you tighten everything up. This has also worked well for me.


good luck!

 

[Texx]

ya make sense... but what about when the top is actually on? where does the top and tub actually phisically meet?

They shouldn't. Comes from the factory with gaskets across the top of windshield, under the bolt pattern, and top edge of the rear quarters.

 

[71cruiser71]

great idea okie! sounds like that will work. i just dont wanna scratch while putting it on.

and as far as gaskets go, i dont have any money for gaskets, not to mention those ones are expensive i will have to wait on those ones><

thanks for the help guys

 

[nuclearlemon]

i've thought about using that 3m stuff they use for "clear" bras.

 

[71cruiser71]

thats also a good idea, the only thing with using that stuff is that the paint has to be PERFECT when you put it on. any scratch or chip or bubble will just make it ugly. my mother tried to put that stuff on her mercedes and they wouldnt even put it on the car because the car was Brand spanking new off the lot. fantastic idea if the terms are right.

 

[okie]

great idea okie! sounds like that will work. i just dont wanna scratch while putting it on.

and as far as gaskets go, i dont have any money for gaskets, not to mention those ones are expensive i will have to wait on those ones><

thanks for the help guys

your welcome. for weatherstripping, use this on the tub lip and order the stock tub weatherstrip also and you will be good as far as anything metal rubbing together.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/graphics/05-00596.jpg on the edge
Google Image Result for http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/graphics/05-00596.jpg - the link you can order it from

heres the stock w/s to use with it:Weatherstripping Hard Top to Tub

but don't order that from coolcruisers, its cheaper with a tlca discount at your local toyota dealer.

 

[1loudLX]

I had clearbra installed on our 911 Turbo from the B-Pillar forward, including doors, rockers and all lights. Its wonderful stuff, wish it had been installed when we first got it, car got some rash before hand. Now I wouldnt be scared to wack the fenders with my keys (done it already) without damaging the paint or even the clearbra. I say use that on the truck