Hardtop Protection Suggestions

[sauernote]

I am getting my 2002 (black) car back from the bodyshop today. As a result of a fenderbender, the area where the hardtop rests has now been repainted. Previously, I had a 3M clear plastic strip and black Prostripe moulding on top of that for protection. I've tried foam tape in the past, too. Both the foam tape and the Prostripe eventually worked their way out from under the right side and looked pretty bad.
The bodyshop has recommended that the hardtop stay off for at least 30 days for the paint to cure. (They are delivering the hard top separately by truck.) This time, I'd like to try some kind of removable product--tape, etc. What products have been used successfully?--no damage to paint, easily removable, plus stay in place and out of sight.
Thanks,
Ralph

[ge0rge]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

There has been LOTS of discussion about this. Just search, and you'll find more than you every wanted to know

My final decision was to put something on that was actually visible (with the top off) and would not have to be replaced once or twice each year. My idea as well as many other good ones are here:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=29551

Good luck

geo

[sauernote]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

Believe me, I've read all the posts on this subject. I don't want SS, and the Prostripe and foam tape did not work for me. My specific question is what brand and size of tape has been used successfully? One that peels off easily and gives good protection for the paint.
Thanks,
Ralph

[5bird7]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

easily removeable? not sure how easy any tape would be for the long run but electrical tape is used by someone here.

[snowbird]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

easily removeable? not sure how easy any tape would be for the long run but electrical tape is used by someone here.

Dot. I use the electricians tape and put on new each fall. Just carefully remove in spring and find it still very plyable. Also, it now comes in many different colours. I use the orange wich is very close to my coral 007 and try to put it so hardly any shows beyond the top seal. Works for me.

[Ediron]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

I don't have a H/T but if I did I would go with geOrge's method.Looks good with the S/T.

[sauernote]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

Thanks everyone. So plain old black electrical tape won't make a gooey mess and stay in place for 2-3 months?

[snowbird]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

Thanks everyone. So plain old black electrical tape won't make a gooey mess and stay in place for 2-3 months?

Not the 'plain old' like we used to put on hockey sticks but the new stretchy modern tape. I have it on for 4 to 5 months and comes off quite easily. I try to not lift it off but peal it back by folding it over itself and pulling back that way when I remove it.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

I also use electrical tape and clean off any residue that might remain with a good car wax/cleaner.

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

The last time I participated in a hard top relay, I used plain old painter's masking tape. Went on easy and came of with a gentle tug. It only cost a buck at the dollar store.

[Lonestar]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

Since the sail panel has been painted you might want to avoid the 3M or Xpel type clear protection strips if you like to remove it when the hardtop is off. Painters tape (the blue stuff) sets up after a few days and is not recommended for extended use. Standard masking tape gets hard and will leave a lot of residue and could mare the paint if left on for an extended period plus both the painters tape and masking tape fail when they get wet. Use of a true electricians tape, as suggested, might be your best bet since you will be applying it over a repainted surface. I would suggest you put a very good coat of wax on the area before using whatever you decide upon.

Having said all that, if it were mine and since it is black I would wait 60 days and then wax the areas where the hardtop sets very well and then apply Xpel. See this link:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ght=protection

However, once installed, I would not try to ever remove it for it would very likely lift the paint.

[FEsTbird]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

In spite of the poor reputation of the Ford tape, I have had good luck with it. First I wax the car well, then I apply the tape (I have used both the old tape (02,03) and the newer tape (late 03 on) with equivalent results. After the tape is on, I apply silicone grease to the rubber gasket on the top and then attach the top per the instructions.

The top stays on from mid-November to mid-April (Thanksgiving to Easter). Just before taking the top off, I wax it--some times the rest of the car at same time. After the top is off, I strip off the tape. After the tape is stripped, I wash and wax the car. Washing includes the soft-top. If needed, I use SkratchX on the tape residue before the waxing. Since my car is white, I am leery of the electrical tape idea.

[sauernote]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

Thank you everyone for your responses. I have been using Zaino products since day one, so I decided to contact Sal Zaino. He said that if the paint wasn't fully dry in a week, it never would be, and to go ahead and use Zaino after 7 days. It will be months before I put the hardtop on again, so I'll try the electrical tape this time.
Cheers,
Ralph

[My Raven]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

Black Electrical Tape for the Raven: A Little Goo-Be-Gone When You Remove It and Your Good to Go ...

[Sandman]

Re: Hardtop Protection Suggestions

I have been using open cell weather stripping for years. It's easy to put down and take up,best of all it only costs about $3 a bag which will do two Birds. A big bonus is No hardtop rattles.