Took off my top today {pics}

[SeaBiscuit68]

Thought you all might like to see what I did today. Took off the top for the first time. It hasn't rained in like forever but did today right after it came off. :

http://www.firebirdz.net/mike/bronco/Hardtop-Removal/seabiscuit-top.htm

It's ugly now but won't be for long.
Mike

 

[KST1]

Now your talk'n. I assume by your pics and comments that you intend to restore the top? Thanks for providing lots of pics. Keep it up. It'll be neat so see the process.

You've got lots of fun ahead. It's all worth it.

-D

 

[J-DUB]

[quote author=SeaBiscuit68 link=board=5;threadid=20685;start=0#msg159248 date=1060149402]
It hasn't rained in like forever but did today right after it came off. :[/quote]

So you are the one that made it rain here. Always happens when someone takes there top off or washes the car. Oh well, good luck with the top retoration and enjoy having the top off before it starts to rain and doesn't stop until March.

 

[77TexasBronc]

Ol SeaBiscuit's top wouldnt have made it much longer. Glad to see you fixing her up.

 

[SeaBiscuit68]

Thx for the replies. It was getting so bad that everytime I went over a bump it would rain rust on me. The PO had stuffed a bunch of cardboard above the headliner for some reason causing the liner to be all warped out of shape. It's surprising how flimsy the top metal is. I can't imagine anyone actually using that roof rack thingy. I'm going to use Hammerite for a finish. Amazing stuff. It won't ever be a show top (not that I'd want one) but I'm confident it'll be purty enough and keep the rain out for a long time to come. Oh, and I finally got my first "Hey nice Bronco!" driving home last night. ;D

 

[77TexasBronc]

Glad to hear the you got a thumbs up. I am not familiar with Hammerite however I did see a top that was line-x inside and out the other day. At first I was convinced that was what I was going to have done, it looked great. But when it came time to help put the top back on a had a change of heart. It had gained about another 50 -75 pounds to a top that is already heavy enough to cause multiple hernias

 

[jeff71sport]

Mike now we know why it rained yesterday
when i bought mine i could not wait to get the top of and drive it, and it was a blast

have fun

jeff

 

[SeaBiscuit68]

[quote author=J-DUB link=board=5;threadid=20685;start=0#msg159301 date=1060182738]
So you are the one that made it rain here.
[/quote]

[quote author=jeff71sport link=board=5;threadid=20685;start=0#msg159368 date=1060196491]
Mike now we know why it rained yesterday
[/quote]

'twas me

77TexasBronc, Hammerite is a high tech paint for do-it-yourselfers that goes over rusty but cleaned up surfaces and doesn't need a primer. Comes in two finishes, hammered and smooth. I'll be using the smooth white - looks like any synthetic gloss enamel. You've probably seen the hammered before. It looks sorta like swirly metal flake with a texture but shiny. I painted some really really rusty light poles in a parking lot about 10 years ago with two coats of smooth white. They still look like a million bucks! Only came in for some lunch. Gotta get back out and sand some more.

Mike

 

[Guest]

Sounds like you got it going your way. Keep posting the progress for us

 

[jeff71sport]

Mike, we realy need the rain so could you put your top back on and then take it off again

 

[GRIZZLY]

Mike,

I'm not sure where you're located but there looks like there's a fairly rust free top for sale cheap in this site's parts classifieds in Tennessee......might save you a lot of work.

 

[SeaBiscuit68]

[quote author=GRIZZLY link=board=5;threadid=20685;start=0#msg159810 date=1060334572]
Mike,

I'm not sure where you're located but there looks like there's a fairly rust free top for sale cheap in this site's parts classifieds in Tennessee......might save you a lot of work.
[/quote]

Tacoma Wash, so that's too far. Even after doing this I'm still wanting a better top. Mine has a few issues that won't be solved by a cosmetic once over. I'll be into this for the price of some paint, sandpaper and elbow grease so at least it'll be white till I find one close by. Hint .. hint .. anyone?

 

[westco]

You should check the adds. I have seen tops in good shape go for as little as $100.00

Good luck