Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

[Daktari]

Hi there,

I know this has been mentioned on several other threads but I will be definately buying a chromed strip protection kit before the hard top goes back on this Winter.

First of all, are they all the same sold by different stores or do different sources sell slightly different versions?

If this is the case, what is the recommended way to go?

Thanks in advace for any ideas, Gordon.

[Leroy]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

Daktari, I don't believe they make a chrome set, all the ones I've seen are Stainless Steel. Thunderbird Concepts has them and someone posted another seller that was cheaper. I'm thinking of getting a set myself.
Leroy

[njmcphillips]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

I am also considering this. I would like to hear from those who have already installed. Pics would be nice also.

[MATBird]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

The pictures of the strips on my car are still shown on the QAA ebay site:
http://stores.ebay.com/Quality-Autom...QQftidZ2QQtZkm
Daktari, they are the manufacturer of these strips and they supply the distribution network
These are all polished stainless. However, there is a chromed plastic strip called prostripe, which you may want to do a search on.
BTW, to answer your question, I've had both on my car and prefer the QAA strips.

[Daktari]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

Thanks George,

I like the look of them a lot and I would be seeing them as a permanant fixture, not to remove them each time the hard top came off. They look good with the top down and with the soft top up.

After reading through some older posts, my only concern is that some folks who tried the steel strips had problems with it spoiling the gasket on the hard top. Has this give you any problems?

Thanks, Gordon.

[04birdman]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

i just put these on my bird within the last 3 weeks...i found 3 suppliers...come to find out from others here there all made buy the same co....i bought mine from QAA..and paid 130 dollars plus frt....approx $40 less than thunderbird concepts and more less than the other place...they went on in about 10 min...look great...i did this and i dont know if i will ever put the hardtop on..but i didnt want to have to fool with the ford strips...looks to be a great product...you dont need to go to ebay ..i bought mine direct from the QAA site..

[berogersjr]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

[quote=Daktari;314829]
After reading through some older posts, my only concern is that some folks who tried the steel strips had problems with it spoiling the gasket on the hard top. Has this give you any problems?
quote]

I'm about to install the steel ones on my bird as well, and I heard that other folks had that problem. I was told by someone to set them a bit off from the edge of the deck, maybe a quarter inch or so (so it is not flush with the edge), and that would help prevent any damage to the gasket as well as prevent any catching and tearing of the soft top while putting it up or down. Don't know how this will look or work.

bobby

[Daktari]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

Hi again,

A useful question at this point would be:

Has anyone had the stainless steel protection strips installed permenantly for a few years without any signs of damage to the hard top gasket? If this is the case, what is the trick to avoiding any gasket damage?

Part of my reason for wanting a fixed strip is to help cover the scuff marks from where the hard top has rubbed in past years.

Thanks, Gordon.

[FritsB]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

Mine are on for two years, the QAA strips and show no damage to the gaskets. But it is advised to sand the edges with some sanding paper before installing. They look great and the only issue is you have to be carefull when washing the car. They curl up easy

And as answer to your question Gordon...no they are not all the same..there is a left side part...a right side part...and a middle piece

[MATBird]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

Gordon - When these were first designed, QAA installed mine, and I left them on for 3 years (2500 miles). Absolutely no damage to the gasket. ** Although some here have reported damage.
Note: some come through with rough edges and should be lightly sanded so as not to snag your polishing cloth or damage the HT gasket. Also note, although no damage to the HT, there was mild chaffing on the stainless, but that's better than on the paint.
Frank - Correct, I probably should have posted QAA phone no. For others it's 800-343-8329. If you are local in MA it's 978-692-3026. Either line ask for Tonka and tell him your from ThunderbirdNest.
Bobby - Good point, QAA installed mine about 1/16" away from the inside edge - ever so slightly away from the soft top.

** In case you wondered...Although there should not be rough edges on new parts, some do get past their Quality people. Laser cutting is a rather dusty manufacturing process with stainless. Therefore, the Optics that the lasers shoot through get dusty. If the operator does not clean the optics regularly the result is rough edges.

[gladiator99]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

I have installed the prostripe wheel well moulding cat # 85-2005 . This is a plastic strip chrome finish which is self adhesive and because it is about 1/8 thick it helps seal the hardtop better. If it shows any scratches you can reapply a new strip easily. They can be removed easily also. I have installed them on several T-Birds and have had no problems. They bend easily for installation at the corners. It is best to put this on on a warm day and if the moulding is also warm they go on easily. Will try to get a picture if possible. BTW the strips cost about $20.00 for a 20' length. Cheap!
Take care!

[bronzebird]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

Gordon:

I have had the QAA strips installed on my car for about a year but I take the hardtop on and off more frequently than some others.

Before I installed the strips I took one of my wife's emory boards and sanded down the stainless strips completely on both sides.

Once that was done I had no rough edges and then I applied the strips with a very, very small overlap as suggested.

To date I have had no problems at all.

Bronzebird

[BlackShadow]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

3 years now no problems with SS stips and no problem with hardtop gasket damage

[Borla Babe]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

Gordon:

I have had the QAA strips installed on my car for about a year but I take the hardtop on and off more frequently than some others.

Before I installed the strips I took one of my wife's emory boards and sanded down the stainless strips completely on both sides.

Once that was done I had no rough edges and then I applied the strips with a very, very small overlap as suggested.

To date I have had no problems at all.

Bronzebird

Whoa Rick, I don't think you mean overlap. Overlap to me means hanging over the edge.
You have to set the strips a tad back from the edge, so there is no chance that the strips will come in contact with the soft top as it goes up or down.

Gordon, put the strips on, no worries.

[Daktari]

Re: Are all the chromed hard top protection strips the same?

Good morning to everyone,

Ok,it seems like the steel strips might not be perfect but if a little care is taken, it seems they can be a permenant fix for the scuffing paint problem and look pretty good too.

When we bought our car, the hard top was already on but it had no protective strips at all which is why I have the rub marks. Luckily, there was never a problem with leaks or creaking once I had followed Julie's guide on adjusting the top. The marks are really not that bad and could be re-sprayed possibly but my idea is to cheat and just cover them up.

Ok, sand the edges and 1/16 in from the edge.

I'll get back when I order them and get them fitted.

Thanks to all for the info, Gordon.