Seeking advice on hardtop installation trim

[HTHeather]

Hey y'all!
We bought a beautiful 2002 this past weekend and drove off the lot without the top. It was a pretty day, and our awesome salesman said we could come back for the top later.

I noticed a bit of "bubbling" on the back of the car where I'm guessing a previous owner either applied film or a trim package.

We need to go back in and get the hardtop in the next two weeks.

Our plan is to get the top installed at the dealership, drive the car home, and remove the top for the summer.

So here are my questions:

1) Do we need to put something between the hardtop and our pretty car when we go to get the top, even though it's only going to be on there temporarily?

2) If we DO need something for this short interval, what is a good recommendation?

3) And, looking toward winter, what's a more permanent solution that is the best and safest option to put on top of paint that's already showing a bit of bumpiness?

Thanks for any advice, Nesters. I appreciate this forum and will likely be here a lot in the months to come. :-)

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

I change all of mine each year and never have I put any protection on the body. I am sure some wear on the paint will occur, but that goes with owning a car with a removable hardtop. Both my 1956 Thunderbirds showed wear on the body.

[2K2BIRD]

The best thing for short term protection that I have found is painter's tape. I supplies a little protection and then comes off really easy. Most of it is blue, but if you look around you can find it in different colors. I have some red that I use when the top is going to be on for a short time. That way if I don't get it placed perfectly, the tape doesn't show up much sticking out from under the hardtop.

[HTHeather]

BRILLIANT idea!

Do you do the same thing for longer periods of time as well?

Thanks!

[007Cruiser]

Another thing you can use is open cell weatherstripping from the hardware store. Half inch size should do the trick. It’s easy to remove with virtually no residue. Welcome to TBN!

[2K2BIRD]

BRILLIANT idea!

Do you do the same thing for longer periods of time as well?

Thanks!

If I was going to leave it on for any length of time, I'd probably use a extra layer or two to be safe or use the open cell product Gene suggested.

Oh yes, welcome to TBN and great choice in color. Our red one has taken us many great places over the past 16 years. I hope yours serves you well.

[HTHeather]

We need to get some weatherstripping anyway, so, two 'birds. :-) Thanks!

I've ordered new COPs and spark plugs and a new spare tire. Gonna got get all that taken care of this weekend and she should be good to go and go and go.

I appreciate your kindness and good suggestions!

Heather

[Rondor]

# 1 be sure rubber gasket is clean and for me I put silicone on the gasket once a year. I use silicone grease and rub it in and remove all excess. That also stops squeaking.'

[CVCashmere]

I have used the kit Ford sent with every Thunderbird. Used them for several years. Eventually converted to chrome trim and the kit.

I Have an extra kit if you are interested. Not cheap-but 100% original and unused. PM me if interested.

thanks

CVCashmere

[007161947]

This is what I have, looks good and saves the paint Ebay auction # 351813018274

[HTHeather]

Got the top on last night and got her home. Put it on top of chrome trim with some of that open cell weatherstripping on top of the trim and it worked great—--no squeaks and the interior is quiet, even on the freeway.

Monday I had all my coils and plugs replaced and got a new spare tire sussed on Sunday. Looking forward to our first road trip this weekend—--headed to the lake where we'll get the top back off for summer.

Man, why did I wait so long to buy this car???

Thanks for your kind advice, everybody! I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

[007Cruiser]

You really only need the chrome OR the weatherstripping. No harm though. Glad you’re enjoying it.

[HTHeather]

007, Yeah, I got the advice to layer it on a 2002 facebook page and it made sense to me to have something sturdy below something squishy. I'll be able to remove it all this weekend and use it again come winter.

Lots of solutions for sure--this one is working great for me. Thank you!

[TEE4TOO]

Put plenty of WAX on the car