blackthunder50

I need recommendations on restoring the molding on my t-tops. The black molding is simply worn and faded. I've tried the "back to black" mothers stuff with no luck. I'm thinking about painting it but need some advice from others who have experience painting this type of trim.

blackthunder50

I've done some research and just ordered eastwood landau black interior/vinyl roof paint and the SEM plastic adhesion promoter base. They also give free shipping if you sign up for the news letter. Based on the reviews I think it will turn out pretty well.

I'll be taping off the glass tonight and getting everything ready. I'll be sure to post up pictures next week when I receive the paint. Hopefully it turns out well and others can restore their molding as well.

blackthunder50

Here are the before shots of the weathered molding. The edges are all taped up for right now. Next update will be the painting process.

For prep I used a very mild scotch pad and some wax/oil degreaser to clean the molding up. It took alot of grime off and should provide a nice starting point. It actually looked pretty good after I cleaned it and would probably look good on any color other than black. The black car just makes any dull trim look horrible!

1999transamls1

iTrader: (5)

looks good

Amazin1

iTrader: (11)

Much better!

blackthunder50

I only taped and cleaned the molding so far haha! It did clean up well but I want the molding to match the paint of the car or at least look black and not gray. I will post pics after painting.

xFormulax

Are you doing the middle section too? Mines all messed up with water spots burnt in it. I was going to buy another one but now I'm curious if you can paint it and how good it would look.

Amazin1

iTrader: (11)

well, then that inspires me to go out and clean mine...lol.

blackthunder50

Yes, I actually painted that awhile ago. I cleaned it up with a scotch pad and degreaser before painting. Painted 3 light coats of dupont gloss black and then 3 coats of clear. It looks brand new and has held up in the worst of weather.

Cape T/A

mine is the same way, its the only thing on the exterior that looks bad on my car.

NIUhuskies

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for posting this! I think a lot of us have this problem and it is cool to see how you tackled the issue

blackthunder50

Finally got a nice day to apply the first coat on the t-top trim. So far I have only used the SEM plastic prep/primer. 1st coat was very light and then in 5 minutes I applied a wet coat. I'll let this dry for a day or two before I apply the SEM plastic trim paint. Next set of pictures will be the final product.

First coat (very light)


Second coat wet




I'm very excited to see how this turns out when I actually apply the actual trim finish. Hopefully it holds up as advertised, I've read some good reviews on guys that painted their vinyl tops with this stuff.

blackthunder50

Finished the final coats of the landau black vinyl coat. It applied very evenly and looks great! Couldn't be happier with the way they look.

1999transamls1

iTrader: (5)

Nice! Did you use a clear over the black? Makes me want to do mine like that

blackthunder50

Nope, I think its almost like an adhesive/clear in the paint. It's pretty much cured as of today and it looks awesome! I tried scratching an unnoticeable spot and its like the paint bonded with the plastic adhesion primer. No scratch at all and its completely flexible.

Blackbird-WS6

iTrader: (15)

can you post links to the stuff you used to paint the tops from start to finish? want to make sure i get the right stuff.. thanks

blackthunder50

Here are the two cans you will need:

http://www.eastwood.com/adhesion-pro...14-75-net.html

http://www.eastwood.com/landau-black...12-oz-net.html

Says it's interior, but in "more info" it says vinyl tops.

LongIsland63SS409

iTrader: (22)

Nice work!

Mike

Blackbird-WS6

iTrader: (15)

thank you sir

Swiat34

iTrader: (9)

That is just awesome! I was looking at mine just yesterday and wondering what I could do. I use an old soft toothbrush to clean it when I wash my car but it never looks as nice as your painted trim. Nice work!