Painting Hardtop

[buhin]

Bought a used hardtop off E-Bay for my new Cab. Planning on having it painted to match car color (Seal Grey) and wonder if there are any things to advise the bodyshop about. In particular, I note what looks like 2 rubber strips running the length (front to back) on the top. I suspect that these should NOT be painted, but not sure. Also don't know if they need to be removed to paint, can just be masked off or need to be replaced.

Got the red allen wrench for locking the top in place (have not tried it yet) and believe it is pretty straight forward to attach - but have not tried it yet.

Any comments appreciated. Don, I think you are back home now and Loren notes you as an expert in Cabs, so would appreciate any insight!

thanks,

Mark J.

[Guest]

I've never talked to anyone who painted the h'top before. Those 2 strips that go across the top front to back don't serve any purpose on the Cab top. On the coupe, small sections can be opened for roof rack attaching points...but not on the Cab. I think the strips are there either to cover weld points in assembly, or just for decoration. It looks like a tough job to mask the narrow rubber in between the strips and the top. It looks like the rear window is a tough masking job as well.

As you suggest mounting the top is pretty straight forward. Just follow the manual and make sure the other person puts some pressure on the rear of the roof over the attaching points so they will catch properly. If after mounting you have rattles, they are covered by TSBs.

I assume the entire underside of the top will be masked off.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. I"d almost suggest that unless the top is some ungodly color I'd be temped to save the money and use the top as is. ;)

[Guest]

Mark, you're getting some email shortly! :)

[buhin]

Received it. Thanks Don!

[LVDell]

Mark, I just had my hardtop painted and they had to "disassemble" the hartop so that the only thing near the paint guin in the spray room was the actual shell ONLY. I would ask questions first if I were you to get that cleared up. The last thing you want is overspray or even paint to slide through the masking job. Mine turned out very professional since there was no masking needed. VERY CLEAN LINES :clapping: