Top Restoration Options

[EdwardBlume]

The ABM needs a new top. The prior one I had restored is early vs late. This time I’m going to do it myself.

I picked up a late top at the swap yesterday.

What are the 4 stages and products from wheeler dealer? I need to paint it for sure due to aging, scratches, dings and chips.

Also, what is this seal on the rear inside. It is chalky and old. Needs replacement.

[914 RZ-1]

FWIW, I restored my top as follows:

1. I took all the hardware off and sanded it down. Used a DA and electric sander in combination. I used industrial strength adhesive remover (3M 38987) to get the glue off from the headliner. I also sanded that side.

2. I accidentally sanded thru the fiberglass gel coat in one spot, so I got some polyester primer surfacer and a cheap Harbor Freight gun and sprayed the top with it. Turned out really nice.

3. I then sprayed the Wurth Stone Guard Black. Used about 3 cans. I did the whole thing, top and underside. I'm not putting the carpet back on the underside. I did a few practice sprays on some scrap to get a feel for what it should look like.

4. I then sprayed Trim Black (from my local autobody supply place) with the same HF spray gun.

5. I have all new rubber from 914rubber. I also cleaned up all the latches and screws with a wire brush and Evapo-Rust. I painted them with Trim Black. The plastic parts were in decent shape.

Looks bichin'.

My top did not rub the trunk lid before I restored it.