Hard Top Question - rubs body paint

[edmonds007]

I'm finally taking the plunge and buying my first Cobra! I'm flying to New York next week and plan to drive it 450 miles back to Williamsburg, VA. It's a Superformance with a hard top. The current owner said he had the top on one time and found that it rubbed the paint so he wanted to warn me that driving it home that way could leave a mark or two on the finish. Does anyone have any recommendations on how I can address this before I drive it home? I'll need to bring the necessary materials with me. I'm guessing some felt pads may work but hopefully someone here will have the cure-all.

Thanks,
Bryan

[Igofastr]

I've heard some suggest clear tape...such as is used on the front of cars to protect from rock chips. It gets scuffed instead of your paint. When it does, remove and reapply.

For a temporarly solution, such as for your upcoming trip. You might be able to just use regular tape, clear packing tape, duct tape, etc to protect the areas of concern.

Just my thoughts, hope all works out.

[RallySnake]

Edmons,

I have tried several methods for this very problem. I have tired various tapes and 3M clear plastic static cling material and nothing really seems to make much difference, the paint still shows some wear. So, now I just rub in a very heavy coat of car wax in a 6" wide strip around the back of the car where the top will sit and let it dry. Without buffing it off, I drop the top on the car and screw it down. Then, I polish off the area outside the top around the edge and I'm ready to go. After the trip, I remove the top and rub off the remaining wax residue. Then, rewax the whole area. You can definately see the rub mark if you look for it. But, if it's polished well enough, you don't notice it.

Good luck,
Paul

[edmonds007]

Thanks guys,

The seller said he plans to apply a heavy coat of wax before I arrive. I'll try to find some of the 3M tape on top of the wax as well. Maybe I can pick some up at Advanced Auto.

I can hardly stand knowing the paint will be scuffed before I even get it home but at the same time I bought this car to drive, not sit in the garage. Thanks again for your advice.

[RallySnake]

Edmonds,

The 3M stuff can be purchased in sheets and is meant to be applied in large patches. I sticks OK the first time, but not so well after that. It was pretty expensive, too and didn't seem to help that much. It is very difficult to cut the clear plastic around the edge of the top with a razor blade and not scratch the paint. If you leave the edge sticking out, it looks bad.

If you put a heavy coat of wax on it, the 3M material won't stick at all. It's an either, or, situation.

Paul

[Igofastr]

Put the tape down, then wax the tape.

Yes, I've been called a smart-a.. before. :-)

[edmonds007]

Paul,
Thanks for the additional info. I'll stick with the wax since that's what's worked best for you. To go a step further, is there a particular wax that you've found to be most effective? Don't mean to beat the horse here. I just want to be prepared when I get there.

Bryan

[edmonds007]

Ron, you're a genius.

[Rick Parker]

Forgive my ignorance on this matter but would any of the sponge foam insulation sold in rolls and used for something like sealing a camper shell to a pickup box work temporarily???

[HighPlainsDrifter]

I place the top on and mark the outline with masking tape. Then take the roof off and place 1" wide black electrical tape on the paint where the roof will sit.Take the masking tape off and put on roof.I have logged thousands of miles and have never hurt the paint. When the roof comes off just peal the tape off and hit it with Meguires' detail.
Perry.

[edmonds007]

Drifter,
that sounds like an easy and economical solution. I'm surprised that the 3M didn't work too well for Paul since it seems like it is very durable material. Thanks for the info!

Bryan