I recently had a new vinyl top put on my 67. The dip who put it on whacked my side molding too hard when he placed it back on and left a nasty ding in it. Yeah I'm sure most people would over look the dent but I see it every day.

My questions are

1.) Can I take off the molding without scratching or flaking the paint on the bottom side of the rail?

2.) If you answered yes to the first one. How do I place the new rail on car properly and what tools should I use so I dont make it ugly like the last idiot did.


(on a side note I plan on buying my new molding from NPD, they apparently have a new set that fits better then their old ones. Has anyone ordered them)

Thanks!

 

I'm sure there is a tool for it but I used an old bottle cap opener. It worked great. Just loosen a lot of places before trying to pry it off all at once...

 

Yep an old fashioned bottle top opener with tape around it to prevent scratching. You have to lightly glue the rail back on BTW. I think there was a mustang monthly article on this.

 

Agree with all except the glue. I have never had to glue one. They always snap on and hold themselves in place.

 

Yep, I used the bottle opener last night on my '66. Trim cam off in about 3-5 minutes with no damage to trim or the drip rails. I could actually polish the paint under them and go without. I plan to go without, but I'm gonna paint the car anyway.

 

Thanks for pointing that out. I can't recall whereI read that, here in the forum or at MM. I know my rail cover is going to need a little help once I get ready to reinstall it.

 

I'd also like to know the answer to the repop molding quality question. I bought a set for my 68 fastback that are total junk and pop right back off after installation. They're on there now but I would be afraid to drive the car until I relace them.If anyone makes a good set of driprail moldings I'd like to know so I can order another set.

 

I have replaced about 10 sets of them and I use the old bottle opener with a piece of electrical tape on it! It works great.I have bought all mine from NPD and they snap right on,you just have to make sure there are no little bumps of paint or anything to keep them from snapping into place.[8D]

 

Why do some people use a rubber mallet? Are you sure they just "pop" on? I also was told to use black silicon to seal the rail to the black vinyl? Yes? No?

 

Every set of originals I've taken off with the bottle opener I've re-installed using the palm of my hand to snap back on. Start it over the upper lip and snap it over the lower.
Did your vinyl top car have the stainless or aluminum strips that rivet into the drip rail channel to hold the top into place? I had one original 68 with the strips but I just bought another that has the top removedand I can't find any rivet holes.
I suppose sealing the edge of the top would be a good idea just to keep the moisture out but it wouldn't hold the top from peeling back, that's why I asked about the retainer strips.