69 t-top chrome replacement

[Don W.]

My t-top chrome areas on the coupe area are scratched, dented and don't provide a good water seal. I talked to a local shop in Huntington Beach and he said to take it to a body shop and had no referrals. Any suggestions on how to replace/restore this item?
Thanks...Don

[Alan S.]

[Don W.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Hi Alan...thank you for letting me know that it is Stainless Steel. It is the SS that surrounds the entire T-Top area starting at the front windshield, moving down the center horizontal member and around the rear side...Don

[Jerome P.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Hi Don........

I replaced or rechromed the one on the '72. If you are interested I will look tomorrow morning. Let me know and I will try and find my paper work.

[Alan S.]

[Jerome P.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Hi Don, I know there are differences in the '69 and '72 trim, but in general is this the piece you are referring too.2016-05-03 06.42.51.jpg

[Don W.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Hi Jerry and Alan...yes, the photo from Jerry is correct. I have dents and scratches in mine front and rear from prior owners. Wind whistles thru the front at 60 mph and if I try and wash the car I get a small water flow from the rear. I'm looking for ideas and costs to replace the entire set-up or restore it and see if I want to move forward. I would also need a recommended shop in Orange County, CA to support the work. My car is late '69 (November). Jerry: your top flight car looks great...Don

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Hi Don,
The large piece of trim isn't being reproduced so your options are either having your original piece restored or buying an already restored piece.
It sounds to me that perhaps your 'whistle' and rear water flow may be caused by the seal (or lack of it) between the roof panels and the stainless and chrome plated trim.
Have you examined the condition of the weatherstrip on your roof panels and/or tried to assess the quality of the seal between between the roof panels and trim? Have you attempted to adjust the seal of the panels using the adjustments on the tops themselves? (There are 4 adjustment points on each panel.)
Regards,
Alan

[Jerome P.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Don,

I thought I had a record of who restored my trim pieces. I do recall buying the large trim piece on eBay and ultimately I had it restored by someone in southern CA. I think I got the referral from Howard. Use your good judgement if you go the eBay route.

Alan is right on about about the wind noise and leaks you are having.

[Don W.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Hi Alan...yes, I've already done all the above that you have suggested. I replaced the weatherstrips a few years ago and had the tops adjusted and aligned, and that has not solved the problem...Don

[Alan S.]

[Don W.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Hi Alan...I have not removed the trim but will have to check it in future...thank you...Don

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 t-top chrome replacement

Hi Don,
You should see signs of both sealers if they're there without removing the trim.
Regards,
Alan