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I've got two standard factory Sprite Mk I hardtops. Both have perfect rear glass but are badly in need of restoration. Not sure if they've ever been painted, but the off-white finish on both is peeling off and spider-webbed with cracks. I've never worked with fiberglass before. What's the best way to strip and refinish these hardtops? I'm aware of the vendor in Canada who can provide new seals, I just need help with the finish. Thanks!
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Factory Hardtop Restoration Advice
- Thread starter Randyz
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apbos
Jedi Knight
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I restored my hardtop about 8 years ago and still looks great. I got my fiberglass supplies from https://www.tapplastics.com ( they are local and have videos on their web page on how to use their products). Per Doc's & Tony B's recommendation I put two layers of glass on the underside of the top to strengthen it ( this is why the cracks develop). I sanded down the entire top and and the groved out all the spider cracks with a dremal. Filled the cracks with resein sanded it all down and then applied new gel coat over the areas that were "thinned of gel coat".
Next primer with Interlux brightsides ( fiber glass boat paint) and sand. Then painted with Interlux Brightside white (very close to the original white. Wet sand and buff. I rolled on all my paint, if you do not have the abilit to shoot it on.
Regards
Paul
Next primer with Interlux brightsides ( fiber glass boat paint) and sand. Then painted with Interlux Brightside white (very close to the original white. Wet sand and buff. I rolled on all my paint, if you do not have the abilit to shoot it on.
Regards
Paul
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If you have many spider cracks the grooving out method is way to tedious. Find a company that can supply you with fiberglass "tissue" an just cover the entire top with it. A thin skin of bondo over that and usual paint prep. The tissue you are looking for looks and feels like what its called. Don't have a link in front of me right now.
Kurt
Kurt