E
Euphoric
UPDATE EMAIL ADDRESS
I am currently in the process of purchasing a hardtop, and to protect the body paint, urgently need to know the correct procedure for the installation. I call it that, because once the hardtop goes on my bird, it will remain (PERMANENTLY). As I understand from these discussions, the correct procedure should be as follows:
1) First apply the Ford Mylar tape (as a seal), to make the top fit tighter. It should be applied slightly overlapping into the well, to prevent fraying of the soft top.
2) Secondly, for a nicer appearance, the QAA SS strips should be applied. They should be set slightly (1/8-1/4") out, so that they show while the hardtop is on.
3) Next, another layer of the Ford Mylar tape is applied over the SS strips, for protection. Or, use any other authorized aftermarket product (see NOTE, below).
4) Finally, before installing the hardtop, coat the weather strip lightly with pure silicone grease, or any dielectric grease.
QUESTIONS:
Is this procedure correct?
Would only two of these steps (2 & 3) be necessary?
Is step 3, above, only necessary if the hardtop is to be removed, and not necessary for a permanent placement?
What is the purpose of step 4?
To George: Is the 5/8" wide chrome plastic strip (over rubber), that you previously described, just as good, or better than, the QAA SS strips? And if so, where can I purchase it? There is a drastic difference in price (only $9)! It seems as though the thickness of the plastic strip (1/8") would eliminate the first step above, insuring a tight fit and fewer rattles; obviously step 2, and possibly steps 3 & 4, as well. You said it was also in one continuous piece, which seems nicer. Not knowing the width of the SS strips, this seems to be the perfect solution. ??? If your answer should be, "Yes," I will have a box of brand new (upopened) SS strips for sale ...
Does at least one tape kit come with the hardtop when I order the complete assembly new? Is this kit #4W6Z-76202W30-AA, for about $60 (or $142-?) from the dealer?
NOTE: Someone mentioned X-Pel hardtop protection as being superior to the Ford Mylar tape, and it is certainly more reasonably priced (about $9). Is this made by Invinca? Is there an order number? Or phone number?
I realize this is a lot to ask, but it is VERY important I get it right since this is a one-time shot, and this appears to be the best place to get accurate answers. Can someone please help me, and set this procedure straight, once and for all - there have been sooooo many suggestions, it is terribly confusing, to say the least! Which way to go?
1) First apply the Ford Mylar tape (as a seal), to make the top fit tighter. It should be applied slightly overlapping into the well, to prevent fraying of the soft top.
2) Secondly, for a nicer appearance, the QAA SS strips should be applied. They should be set slightly (1/8-1/4") out, so that they show while the hardtop is on.
3) Next, another layer of the Ford Mylar tape is applied over the SS strips, for protection. Or, use any other authorized aftermarket product (see NOTE, below).
4) Finally, before installing the hardtop, coat the weather strip lightly with pure silicone grease, or any dielectric grease.
QUESTIONS:
Is this procedure correct?
Would only two of these steps (2 & 3) be necessary?
Is step 3, above, only necessary if the hardtop is to be removed, and not necessary for a permanent placement?
What is the purpose of step 4?
To George: Is the 5/8" wide chrome plastic strip (over rubber), that you previously described, just as good, or better than, the QAA SS strips? And if so, where can I purchase it? There is a drastic difference in price (only $9)! It seems as though the thickness of the plastic strip (1/8") would eliminate the first step above, insuring a tight fit and fewer rattles; obviously step 2, and possibly steps 3 & 4, as well. You said it was also in one continuous piece, which seems nicer. Not knowing the width of the SS strips, this seems to be the perfect solution. ??? If your answer should be, "Yes," I will have a box of brand new (upopened) SS strips for sale ...
Does at least one tape kit come with the hardtop when I order the complete assembly new? Is this kit #4W6Z-76202W30-AA, for about $60 (or $142-?) from the dealer?
NOTE: Someone mentioned X-Pel hardtop protection as being superior to the Ford Mylar tape, and it is certainly more reasonably priced (about $9). Is this made by Invinca? Is there an order number? Or phone number?
I realize this is a lot to ask, but it is VERY important I get it right since this is a one-time shot, and this appears to be the best place to get accurate answers. Can someone please help me, and set this procedure straight, once and for all - there have been sooooo many suggestions, it is terribly confusing, to say the least! Which way to go?
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