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Hard top fiberglass help

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ichthos

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I bought a hard top a while back for my bugeye. I am still not sure if I will keep it. I normally don't like hard tops, but the bugeye top seems to fit well with the style of the car. After searching a long time, I found one that did not have the typical damage. The only problem with this one is the inside "paint" is flaking off. On the inside roof, most of it has a rough surface. There is no separation on any smooth surface on the top or inside. I used a pressure washer to knock off anything remotely loose. My questions are 1)What is the material that is coming off? Is it just paint or gel coat? 2) If it is gel coat, how easy is this to redo? 3)Would I need to take out the rear window to do this? 4) What would insure better adhesion when I redo the inside? (I would include a picture, but I can't figure out how to add it to my post.) Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Kevin
 

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To add a picture, select the edit button at the bottom. Then at the lower left you will find Post Options. Click on file manager, click browse to find your picture file, click add file! (Note file size is important, you may have to resize (reduce) the size of your picture! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif
 
My non-expert opinion is that you should put a lining in it. That would make it look real nice.
 
Gel coat can not be added after the fact.

Have a nice lineing glued in.
 
yea Jeff, it was only painted from the factory wasn't it.

Still think a liner would look good and cut down on noise a bit.
 
Thanks for the all the information. I have more questions. How would I strip the rest of the paint off? Would I use a gel type stripper, or would this hurt the fiberglass? Would the PPG epoxy primer work best for a sealer? I also like the idea of the liner for a number of reasons, a number of which were already mentioned. Do you know of a source in which I could buy a premade liner? If not, is there anyone that has done this and can post some pictures? What would you line it with?

Kevin
 
Paint stripper should work well.

No such thing as a pre made liner. Ask a shop.
 
jlaird said:
Paint stripper should work well.
Click to expand...

I've always heard not to use stripper on fibreglass as it soaks in and keeps working
 
It is used on boats? Check with the boat folks.
 
I really don't see another option than using stripper. With the inside surface being so irregular, sanding would tear up the fiberglass. I am going to try a small area and see what happens after I pick up some gel stripper tonight. I'll let you know what happens. I may still end up trying the inside liner, but I still want to seal off the inside with epoxy primer and have a sound surface to either paint or glue to.
Thanks again,
Kevin
 
It looks pretty flaky... what about getting after it with a Scotch Brite pad?
 
I would just try a pressure washer on the inside and not touch anything that is stuck well enough to stick after that. Then prime and paint and then reupholster.
Bill
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif
 
I still feel like I need to remove the paint on the inside. The stripper can states "may casue softening of fiberglass." I am still going to try a small area, and then strip it in small sections if it works. There is not much left at this point from the pressure washer anyway. My concern is that if most of the paint lifted, the rest will probably do so eventually too. I am guessing that to put in the liner will require gluing it to the inside. I don't want to have the liner put in and then have the glue lift away later. After I remove all the paint, I am going to use epoxy primer and then paint it.

Sorry, but more questions. I am almost done painting my car (factory iris blue). I am considering painting my hardtop white, or matching the top to my car. What would look best? I was leaning toward the white and putting whitewalls on my car. Also, there is a 1/8 inch whole in the roof. How can I repair this soundly and not have to spend a whole lot of money?

Thanks, Kevin
 
Kevin, I think I'd go after the flaking paing with a wire brush. Stripper and fiberglass don't mix well. Or, check one of the marine supply stores, as they may have something formulated for glass.
As to the hole in the roof, some epoxy putty should do the trick. Easier than mixing resin and matting the inside.
Jeff
 
Any marine supply store will have what you are looking for in addition to autozone and such places.

If what is left inside has not lifted in the past 40 years it will stay especialy if you prime it with 2 part primer before the liner.

Oh yea the liner should make it quiter as well.
 
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