First time installing hardtop--help!

[Dizzbe]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

http://doitbest.com/Main.aspx?PageId=64&SKU=270881

Thanks Lonestar, but how does it differ from the closed cell version?

[Borla Babe]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Vickie, I don't know what I'm talking about, but my best guess would be that the open cell compresses more, thus allowing a tighter seal when the hardtop is locked down to the car. We really don't want anything to lift the top from the body of car, just something sturdy and lasting enough to separate the car from the hardtop to avoid scratching or rubbing.


Just an added comment, in the past I used 1/8 thickness open cell and it worked great, I was very happy with it. Last year I went out and bought more, installed the tape and then the hard top, but then noticed something didn't seem quite right. The fit seemed ok, but just a tad bit harder to latch down the hard top, and the rear of the hardtop seem more raised, not the nice flat fit that I like. That made me look at the left over packaging a little closer, it was then that I found out that I had mistakenly bought 3/8 thickness. It was amazing to me the difference in the fit with just a fraction of an inch thickness added. This year I will make sure I install 1/8 thickness, that's all that is needed for that added protection.

[MATBird]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

You may have felt various foam pieces before and found that some are harder then others. Some are actually rather soft and spongy.
Open cell is soft and therefore (should not?) scratch a surface if it rubs a painted surface.

[Lonestar]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Open cell will simply compress more than close cell. 3/8” open cell will probably compress to an 1/8”, maybe less. 3/8” closed will probably compress to a ¼”. Naturally, place a ship on it and both will compress to nothing. Borla Babe was in the correct tract.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Sure is taking a long time to latch that baby.

[Dizzbe]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Thanks all!

[njmiket]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

This is the information from the package #53111 Tight Fit Foam Tape Open Cell
1/2in (T) x 3/4 in (W) x 17ft (L) poly foam.
We have never has a slipping problem with it.
Make sure it is not pushing out before you tighten down the roof.
It works great and a lot better than tape strips the car came with.

[BirdWingsToo]

Re: First time installing hardtop--help!

Might be a bit late... but if you bought your hardtop after you bought your t-bird, then it was not fitted to your bird at the factory, and may need some adjusting for a perfect fit. This thread will show you how to adjust the fit to your t-bird.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=17053

Good Luck!