hard top tape

[eldorito]

I'm putting my hard top back on for the winter months... is it really necessary to put the tape down underneath it? Do you all put the tape on... what exactly is the purpose of the tape? Thanks.

[quixman]

Re: hard top tape

The tape is mainly to protect the paint on your vehicle where the top sits on it.
I got tired of messing with the tape real quick and ordered the stainless steel strips from Aaron at Thunderbird Concepts.
Best thing I ever did, almost.
The stainless strips are permanent. They look nice with the top off and are almost hidden when the top is in place.
Don't forget to recalibrate your windows.

[007Cruiser]

Re: hard top tape

Or you can go the the hardware store and buy a roll of 3/8" open cell weatherstripping. It's cheap, easy to apply, comes off easily in the Spring.

[jerrym3]

Re: hard top tape

My brother-in-law and I have never had to recalibrate our windows.

We both bought our TBirds new back in 2003.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: hard top tape

Since chrome is not "my thing" I have been using tape. Last winter I used black electrical tape. It pulls off easily and any residue comes off with car polish. If you don't use something you will start to build up scratches in the edge of your sail panel.

[eldorito]

Re: hard top tape

reason why i ask is because i somehow forgot to put it on when i put on the hard top.... should i take the top off and put on the tape? should i be nervous that when i take off the hard top i'm now going to find damage to the car?..it's only been a couple of days...

[MATBird]

Re: hard top tape

Not if it's a garage queen and you will only use it once in a while

[eldorito]

Re: hard top tape

Not if it's a garage queen and you will only use it once in a while

nope.. it's an everyday driver (my only) through rain, snow, and hail.

going to put the tape on today..

[NebraskaBird]

Re: hard top tape

I have used both methods, and have the chrome strips now. I have seen damage from not putting something down,

Remind us how to re adjust the windows

[Leroy]

Re: hard top tape

I use masking tape and just put it about 3/8" wide around the edge were the weatherstripping seals on the rear deck. The thing about the SS stick-ons is they show after the top is on. The tape protects the paint from any rubbing marks and comes off real easy. As far as the windows go, I always have them down when changing tops and after I have the hard top on or the soft top up, I up each window all the way up and hold the button down for a couple seconds and it's done. The windows drop went the door is opened just enough to clear the seal. Leroy

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[MATBird]

Re: hard top tape

That's strange, I've had the Stainless strips on for over 6 years and I see nothing showing

[02-T-Bird]

Re: hard top tape

I strongly recomend having something under the top. When I bought ours from the dealer with 7,000 km, it was a demo, and removed the top for the first time I was very disapointed when I saw the scraches. I found the tape in the well for the soft top never installed. I will be getting the chrome trim to cover the scratches. Get something under there as soon as possible.

Ted

[njmiket]

Re: hard top tape

Open cell weatherstrip at Ace Hardware works great and cheap

[billm]

Re: hard top tape

I applied the chrome strips from TB Concepts, and have been very happy with them.
Fit is tight, protection is great, and looks good too. No more messing with it.

_______________________________// Bill

[eldorito]

Re: hard top tape

put the oem strips on today.. like i said, just forgot to put them on when i put the hard top back on for the winter.. kind of surprised at how many people aren't using the oem strips... i would assume that ford would have them... i do like the idea of the permanent silver ones though...