Hardtop Trim

[Rubce]

Hi All

I recently purchased a hardtop with the intention of having it fitted with a black vinyl covering to give it a real 70's look. I am after advice/guidance on how to remove and refit:-

a) the chrome strip which runs horizontally along the front leading edge.

b) the chrome strip which runs horizontally along the rear lower edge where it sits on the rear deck.

I need to remove these two strips to fit the vinyl underneath.

Thanks in anticipation

Bruce

[jleyton]

Hi Bruce,

The front one is relatively easy as it is only fitted on plastic clips - just gently lever it with a wide blade (to prevent denting it) and it will either come off or, more likely, break the clips - replacements for which are available. Nb Although this was the case on the two hardtops I've worked on, I vaguely remember that very early cars may have had metal clips instead of the plastic ones.

The rear one is a little trickier Take a look at the fitting clips on the Rimmers site. The strip is held by these metal clips which have a large part towards the bottom and a small part at the top. This means you need to push the trim upwards as best you can then pull it away from the top - assuming it was fitted correctly if it's been worked on before.

If you've got them off ok I reckon you'll see how to refit them ok

Good luck.

Cheers

Julian

[stag888]

Hi,
Something you may want to consider is sticking them down , I know not factory , however when I rebuilt my hard top I was just never satisfyed with the finish from the clips , it just didn't sit flush , and in the case of the front strip , kept popping out . So I ended up using Siloflex , keeps them absolutely flush , means no clips scratching away at the retaining holes promoting rust , the Siloflex effectively seam seals the trim keeping the water out. Admittedly they won't be coming off easily in the future , but then I don't ever expect to have to do the job again .

Cheers

Steve

[Rubce]

Hi Chaps

Thanks for the suggestions

Regards

Bruce

[Another Peter]

Welcome to the exclusive hard top group Bruce!

[Rubce]

Peter

I am considering organising a hardtop run later this year

Bruce

[thebadleys]

Peter

I am considering organising a hardtop run later this year

Bruce

Hi Bruce,

I'd be interested in that.

Regards

Nigel

[Another Peter]

Yeah!

Get those hard tops out boys!

I might have a suggestion for a breakfast meet in mid-October....

[Rubce]

Yeah!
I might have a suggestion for a breakfast meet in mid-October....

Sounds interesting!

Bruce

[SAP]

Hi Bruce

are you thinking of having hard top vinyl wrapped? must be some good choices/ effects to be had? or as per original vinyl roof of the day...

[Rubce]

Hi Bruce

are you thinking of having hard top vinyl wrapped? must be some good choices/ effects to be had? or as per original vinyl roof of the day...

Hi

The intention is to fit original style black vinyl

Cheers

Bruce

[MarkTwo]

Bruce,

Here is mine, although I rarely use it!
IMG_0012.jpg