Parts removal for repaint

[ozvet350]

Hello,
My name is Max Brown and I live in Australia. I am just preparing to repaint my 1970 coupe and am getting as much off as i can to try and get the best possible job. I have a couple of questions I am hoping that you can give me some help with.

1. I have taken the screws out of the rear guide pin plate and was about to remove the actual guide pin but am worried that the plate that they all seem to screw into will drop into the body and I will not be able to get to it.

2. I am about to remove the strip at the top of the windscreen. I have been able to unclip a couple of the clips, but as I move in from the side they get hard to remove without maybe too much force. What is the best way to remove this strip.

3. Last I want to remove the chrome shroud from the top of the windscreen and the t-top bar. What is the best way to do this.

I would really appreciate your help as there are no placed like this down here in Australia.

Regards
Max Brown

[fatherlarry]

Welcome aboard Mate,

It looks like some of the items you speak may be referred to differently here in the states. As far as the windscreen, I presume that you mean the windshield. So I will try to answer, but I may need to ask you some additional questions. And, if I'm not answering you're specific question, then maybe I am not understanding exactly what you mean, so let me know.

1) Rear guide pin plate. I am not sure what you are referring to exactly. Can you be more specific on this or send me a pic.

2) Strip at top of Windscreen. I think you are referring to the windshield finishing molding. They have a windshield, finishing molding tool that you run under the molding to remove the clips. By sliding it slowly, until the tool pointer stops, and then you push upward on it slightly and it releases the clips. These are sold at auto supply stores. They have a right side and left side tool. You will need both. If you have never done this before, I would be very careful as you can chip the windshield or crack it. And, it really shouldn't be attempted without the tool.


3) Chrome Shroud. I think you are referring to the T Top finishing molding. If so, you have to remove the phillips sheet metal finishing screws. They may sometimes be filled in with dirt, or sealant that the factory may have used to prevent water leaks. Once you have found those screws and removed them, the molding usually has weather adhesive underneath that acts like a weatherstripping which can be difficult to remove unless heated. Best process is to get a hairdryer and go back and forth on the metal strip until it gets warm and then try to lift slowly. Don't lift and pull hard, because you may bend the stainless steel. And, check to make sure that every sheet metal screw is out before applying the heat and working it off. Make sure you also wear gloves because you can seriously cut your fingers on the metal or lose a finger, as the metal is sharp.

When dealing with a windshield and moldings, sometimes some moldings are loose and just held in by weather stripping and will come off easily. If you haven't done this before I would suggest you go to a glazier who installs windshields and have him remove the moldings for you. It may cost you less in the end, rather than having to fix more than you have to because you've damaged something. If the windshield is in good condition and there are no leaks in the car, and the moldings don't need to be replaced, I really wouldn't recommend removing them at all. Just mask it up and paint. Underneath the moldings is just black primer anyway. Unless, you feel there is rust underneath that needs to be repaired and you are getting water leaks, I would avoid the removal process. That's why I would have a glazier take the moldings off for you to see what is hiding underneath. Hope this helps. Let me know how you make out. Good luck, and if I can be of any further help, just let me know.

PS. You may want to invest in a body shop manual for your year Corvette. Here's one you may want to try http://www.actionsalvage.com/manuals/chevrolet.asp
I'm sure there are more out there on the internet.:smoke:

[ozvet350]

Father Larry,
Thanks for getting back to me. Yes there are differences in what we call things, but you have figured out mine just fine. Looking at what you have said Iam starting to think I might just check how the moldings polish up and leave them where they are for the repaint.

The guide pin is the small triangular pin on the rear pillar that the T-Top secures to. I do not have a picture so I hope this makes more sense.

Regards
Max

[fatherlarry]

Hi Max,

First, I would like to say that it is great having you join us. The Corvette is truly an icon that brings every continent together. We are very happy to have you on board.

As far as the guide pins, the bolts that are on the removeable panel, or tee top, the mounting plate can not really fall down under. The rear triangular bolt or screw has to be turned to remove it, once the nut is removed, because the head of the screw is like a triangle, so it catches on three sides. If you're not sure on the mounting plate, remove one screw and then just loosen the other screw until you can turn the outer bracket upwards, leaving the one screw in, but loose, and then get the screw that was removed and put it back in the original mounting plate so you don't loose it. Then repeat on other side. That will give you a better view on how it's installed and how it's removed, and you won't loose you're bracket. Make sure you put some W30 lubricating oil on screws. Again, you don't really need to do this to paint. Those are only adjustments to move the tee top and align. Sometimes those mounting brackets rust out, so be careful, but you can order new ones from Corvette America. The left hand side is part number 30061 and the right is 30062. The mounting plate is 30063 for left hand, and right hand is 30064. Those are the Corvette America part numbers. The rear triangular screw is 30060. Their phone number is 1 (800) 280-8387. Ask them to send you a master catalog.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted on your progress. :nod:

[ozvet350]

Father Larry,

Thank you for confirming what I thought would be the best way to tackle this problem. I am planning to replace the external plates and all of the screw as that are a bit shabby so I can use the old screws just to be sure that the backing plate does not drop while the painting is being done and also ensure that the holes do not get filled with paint. I think that people like yourself and this site make the Corvette such a popular toy.

Thanks
Max