Do you remove the Mylar strips?

[BJHEN]

Today I removed the hard top after being on for 4 months. I installed the factory Mylar strips before installing the hard top - all four sets of strips were new and in the kit so I'm guessing this was first time any strips had been installed. Maybe previous owner never installed the hard top.

The strips seem to be well adhered to body except for one small end, about 1 inch. Should I remove the strips or leave them on? I don't expect to reinstall the hard top for another eight months.

Anyone have any experience with leaving the strips on? Will they stay or will the wind pull them off?

I did a search but didn't find exact answer.

Thanks,

Cliff

[MObird]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

We left some on for about three years before installing the chrome strips. They worked fine but became unsightly after such a long time.
I highly recommend the chrome strips. They look great and work great.

[MObird]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

Oh, when I took the mylar strips off I had to clean off the residue with something called "goo-gone" or something like that.

[2Redbirds57/02]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

Cliff, I use the mylar strips and remove them when I remove the hard top. The strips are very easy to remove and I think the car looks better without them when the top is off.

[Amsterdam]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

is it a must to use Mylar strips for few months? since lower end hard top is rubber it wiil not damage anyway?
thx
Hans

[007Cruiser]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

is it a must to use Mylar strips for few months? since lower end hard top is rubber it wiil not damage anyway?
thx
Hans

That is what Ford originally thought but they were wrong. You'll need some sort of protection for the body when the top is on. One simple way is to install open cell weatherstripping along the edge on the body.

[Leroy]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

Take the Mylar off, if your car sits out in the hot sun during the Summer it might get baked on and really cause a problem. If you can take it off and store it someway that it doesn't collect any dirt on the sticky side, you might try reusing it. I use a good grade masking tape on mine and just peel it off when I take the hard top off. The rubber gasket on these tops isn't the highest quality money can buy and as time goes by will weaken and you'll notice that the top rattles on rough roads or RR tracks. That's when you might notice some paint damage. I've replaced mine and am rattle free. The Stainless Steel strips so far seem to be a good solution, I haven't heard of them comming loose or discoloring, and they're not cheap, but if the paint is damaged they would be a quick fix. Leroy

[94mcd]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

We left some on for about three years before installing the chrome strips. They worked fine but became unsightly after such a long time.
I highly recommend the chrome strips. They look great and work great.

I agree with Karen. I have had my chrome strips for over 4 years. I took the hard top off today and the chrome strips are fine and no scratches on the paint. Well worth the investment.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

I've owned my 2003 Thunderbird since purchasing it new in May of that year. I keep the hardtop on most of the year because I really think the car looks best that way. I've never used the mylar strips nor have I used any other product like the chrome strips either. I've done nothing other than keep a good coat of wax on the car. If there is any damage to the paint, it's so minimal and unnoticeable.

I just enjoy my 2 Thunderbirds. I had them both out this afternoon for a good car wash and then I detailed them. While I want to keep them looking as new as possible for as long as possible, the reality is they are 4 and 6 year old cars.

[Skozzy]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

I am with Gene, the foam is the way to go! Plus this way that nice little baggie full of "original" stuff is still there full of stuff! :)

[FEsTbird]

Re: Do you remove the Mylar strips?

If the original owner left the instruction card installing/removing the hard top, I think you will find that the Mylar strips are designed to be removed. I have taken mine off every year and replaced with fresh ones in the fall when i install the top. You can buy new ones at the Parts counter at the Ford dealer.