1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

[Dino L.]

One of the last things to do on my restoration was to seal the gas tank lid up and install the protective covering. I have convinced myself of no leaks and have working fuel gage so I am closing her up. I noticed the reproduction material is a thick Scotchbrite material while the original looks more like a material that has a smooth feel like velvet. Has anyone come across a suitable restoration material for judging? Attaching a picture of what I think original looks like.

[Don H.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

I can't answer your question about other pieces available but wonder how or who would judge it. Don H.

[Jerry M.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

Dino
I bought one from Paragon (#6639) a few years ago but never put it on. Their description called it "mohair" and I recall it was very soft and acceptable at the time. Not sure where you got yours or if the current reproductions are different. FWIW
Jerry

[Carl R.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

I got the same stuff from Paragon like Jerry did. It looks like regular black felt that you can buy at the craft store. If you have a good piece of the original material you could take that to the craft store and match it up with some thing there. You don't want to use any thing that is rough like that Scotchbrite material because that will scratch the window when it lays on it, it needs to be soft and smooth. One other thing, the stuff from Paragon is smooth on the back side which will be a good surface for the glue, where the felt is the same on both sides, just some thing to think about while making your choice.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

The original was definitely not smooth felt. Nor was it as soft as you would think to keep the back window from being scratched, but softer than a gas tank strap. I will try to get a picture of some original.

[Rod K.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

Al Knoch has "mohair boot liners".

[Loren L.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

Mohair emerges from the depths of the memory banks, now virtually empty.............

[Joe M.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

It was mohair. I found a high end fabric store in Highland Park, TX years ago and paid $32 per square yard. I occasionally vacuum it to remove dust.

[John W.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

Once the material is found, what is the best way to glue it down. The factory glue seemed to soak into the mohair and harden it in places.

[Carl R.]

Re: 1962 Protector felt, convertible top to gas tank cover

Use 3-M spray adhesive to glue it down. Paragon's mohair cover has a semisolid smooth backing that should not let the glue soak through. I have not put mine down yet since I am in the paint stripping mode now. If you read the post that are at the bottom of this thread under "similar threads" there is one that says to use 3-M glue also.