I am wanting to re-paint my 89 Formula 350 Vert, but there is a clear decal that is for when the top is up to keep the top from wearing the paint. I would want to remove, paint and install a new one...

Unfortunately I am not entirely sure where to get the clear sticker, I would think its the same for all 87-92 Verts, but have no idea where to score one.

thanks.

JOhn

 

This was discussed about 2 months ago. I think the best solution that I remember is to add a few more coats of clear coat.

 

3m sells a clear tape that is used for making an invisible bra for cars. i cant remember the name of the company that sells the pre-cut material for cars but they do sell it by the yard of material. i do know that it is a 3m material.

 

The solutions that I have thought of:
- use the Chip resistant paint coat (like you use on the rocker panels)
- Find a large roll of scotch tape and apply it (unfortunately getting it cut just right might be a challenge) The 3M stuff sounds exactly like what I need.
- Just forget about it, (not a real big fan of this one)


Using several more layers of Clear coat - not a bad idea. The only down side is it will show scratches, With the ugly tape you know its suposed to be scratched...


thanks guys

John

 

Could you wet sand the clear coat if it gets scratched? You would have some margin of error with the extra coats.

 

I would look into having a sign/vinyl shop make one for ya, Im sure it could be done.

 

Normally I would not care if I used extra paint to absorb the scratches... I am now more dedicated than ever to restore this car back to original...

OF the 41 known 1989 Formula 350 Convertibles only 7 of those have lower miles, 4 of those 7 reported mialage the last time in 1989. One the last time milage was reported was in 1997, the other 2 were reported within the last 4 years.

THEREFORE I possibly have the 3rd lowest miles Formula 350 Convertible, OR at least the 8th lowest miles FORMULA 350Convertible.

Thats why I am trying to keep it all original.

John

 

You probably not going to find the orginal tape. But I have noticed on my truck where my camper shell fits up agains the cab they used some wide thick tape that looks simular to the plastic tape on our tonneau cover. A place that installs camper shells will probably sell you a few feet but of course it won't be shaped like the orginal. Just a thought.
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You probably not going to find the original tape. But, I have noticed on my truck where my camper shell fits up agains the cab they used some wide thick tape that looks simular to the plastic tape on our tonneau cover. A place that installs camper shells will probably sell you a few feet but of course it won't be shaped like the original. Just a thought.

 

I was going to try this stuff for mine next time.

Griot's Garage 1-800-345-5789 - Misc Car Care

 

Well my car is black so I just had some window tint cut for the tonneau cover. I used the lightest tint I could find and you can't tell the difference. I am sure that clear window tint is available from somebody.

 

You can find the decals here at Stencils and Stripes for $158.95
Stencils & Stripes Unlimited

 

take the car to your local vynal guy and show him what u want or bring them a template out of paper and have him cut u a piece of clear vynal to put there my friend has a shop and he does a lot of grafix and lettering for companies any good shop will have clear

 

Yeah, I've been doing signs (from vinyl lettering, to electrical/neon signs) for the last 7 years. Clear vinyl is your best solution. Get a piece cut oversized, and apply it, then trim ti fit, if you don't want to deal with trying to get it shaped just right, then be at risk of not applying it right, then having to do it again.

 

im new to this, i just bought my vert. I didnt realize you couldnt buy that clear plastic, does GM not sell it?

 

From my experience with them, no they do not.

 

Probably your best solution. Buy the bulk role. Price is fairly inexpensive. Make a pattern of your old one. Trace it out on the new one. Clean your cover to remove any grime, residue or wax from the paint. Have a helper to assist you. And apply it carefully. Good luck.

 

Many of my friends with vettes use clear bra on the front. It is almost impossible to see, but protects quite well. I'd check with then first, seems like a great product. addy is ClearBra - Ultimate Protection

 

Still have GM originals available, see post #11 above

Joe

 

$158.95? You have to be f'ing kidding! For a piece of clear vinyl?

 

I got mine for $120 ish... I thought about going to a local place and have them make me one, BUT I figured it would not be exact... now that I have one in my hands I might see if I cant make my own. THe only thing that ticked me off is the decal was made in 2004 and it has yellowed ...

When you consider that the piece of decal is approximately 60" x 30" and it does not appear that they would nest well. PLUS its a pretty heavy decal material.

John

 

GM NOS:

http://www.moderndaymuscle.com/inc/sdetail/4061

 

Thats where I got mine...

 

This was discussed, and the product is available. It is quite expensive thought. I believe I saw it on Ebay. I just repainted and was thinking of using "clear bra" on the entire tonneau cover. The product is out there, hard to find and very expensive.

 

just want to let you know that I got mine from moderndaymuscle.com (Ebay ID seller: perrypam), and it is kind of yellowish...

 

A far better, cheaper, no chance of getting yellowed material (new clear material) approach would be the ClearBra method as NoCalConvert mentioned (or similar product).

You can buy it and do it yourself, or have the shop do it. It will be an exact match and fit. This material is applied to the wildest and craziest shapes and curves of different vehicle front ends. The flat tonneau cover surface is one of the easiest to do.

 

Mine was a little yellowis as well... It was a Genuine GM part too...

John

 

What's everyone's experience with the yellowing issue?
Is the yellowing noticable (or hardly noticable) on any colour except maybe a white car?

 

I just got an NOS one that was yellowed also. Most of the yellow is just the backing paper. I installed it on my girlfriends convertible. It had just a touch of yellow to it after the install. I got some Meguiars clear plastic cleaner and got my buffer out and buffed it. Looks awesome now. Just put some painters tape along the edges so you don't scuff it up with the buffer.

 

I did not install it yet but I removed a corner to take a look at the vinyl and it is a little yellowed. The backing paper is VERY yellow. I will give it a try when I have my car partially repainted next summer. When I had my car repainted (about 4 years ago), I had the paint shop adding more clear coat on the tonneau cover part. But I can assure you that there is a yellow line where the top weatherstrip seats.

My car is bright white so I am afraid to screw it up again:-(

But I will follow your way 88IROConv!