Hardtop repair

[MrBClark]

So I recently bought a soft top and want to sell my hardtop for some decent money. I need to repair a few cracks and repaint it. My question is, what product to repair cracks and how to use it? I've heard evercoat smc resin is good. Also, what paint to use? How much do I think I can sell a pretty good condition hardtop for?

 

[Chris]

The hardtops are made with SMC, which is extremely similar to fiberglass. So, you'll need to repair it with that, though with something that small, you may be able to just use fiberglass, not 100% sure on that.

 

[MrBClark]

The hardtops are made with SMC, which is extremely similar to fiberglass. So, you'll need to repair it with that, though with something that small, you may be able to just use fiberglass, not 100% sure on that.

Yea. Only issue is that there a total of 4 places I need to fix. What type of paint do I use? How much can I sell that top of I get it in good condition? The previos owner really messed this top up when he tried to take it off himself...

 

[Chris]

Yea. Only issue is that there a total of 4 places I need to fix. What type of paint do I use? How much can I sell that top of I get it in good condition? The previos owner really messed this top up when he tried to take it off himself...

I painted my hard top from grey to black. I did it using SEM trim black spray paint, and it turned out absolutely phenomenal. Looked so good you wouldn't have even known it wasn't factor. SEM also has the best spray pattern of any spray paint I've ever found. Most painters I've talked to have said SEM is one of the only brands of spray paint they'll ever recommend.

As for what the hardtop is worth, it all depends on what local people are asking (a good place to check is Craigslist to get an idea), but I would suspect maybe around $200-$500 give or take.

 

[MrBClark]

I painted my hard top from grey to black. I did it using SEM trim black spray paint, and it turned out absolutely phenomenal. Looked so good you wouldn't have even known it wasn't factor. SEM also has the best spray pattern of any spray paint I've ever found. Most painters I've talked to have said SEM is one of the only brands of spray paint they'll ever recommend.

As for what the hardtop is worth, it all depends on what local people are asking (a good place to check is Craigslist to get an idea), but I would suspect maybe around $200-$500 give or take.

Ok thanks for the info. How many cans of that paint do you think I would need? It is definitely not cheap. Also, did u sand and primer it prior to painting it?

 

[06TJ35's]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jeep-wrangler-tj-hard-top-repairs.8684/

 

[Chris]

Ok thanks for the info. How many cans of that paint do you think I would need? It is definitely not cheap. Also, did u sand and primer it prior to painting it?

I used 8 cans if I remember correctly. I did three coats of paint and let it dry for several hours in between each coat.

I did indeed sand it, but I didn't bother with primer, as the existing paint on the hardtop served as a good primer.

 

[MrBClark]

I used 8 cans if I remember correctly. I did three coats of paint and let it dry for several hours in between each coat.

I did indeed sand it, but I didn't bother with primer, as the existing paint on the hardtop served as a good primer.

As much as I would love to be able to use that stuff, it's way too much $$$ for me. What about the rustoleum black trim paint? I know, it's cheap, but I'm just gonna sell the top afterwards anyway. I could buy about 5 cans of that stuff for like $33.

 

[Chris]

As much as I would love to be able to use that stuff, it's way too much $$$ for me. What about the rustoleum black trim paint? I know, it's cheap, but I'm just gonna sell the top afterwards anyway. I could buy about 5 cans of that stuff for like $33.

If you're just going to sell it, that stuff would work just fine!

 

[MrBClark]

If you're just going to sell it, that stuff would work just fine!

Yea I hate to give something to someone with a crappy paint, but the reviews are good on that stuff so it cant be terrible. I hope it lasts at least a little while for whoever buys it.

 

[Chris]

Yea I hate to give something to someone with a crappy paint, but the reviews are good on that stuff so it cant be terrible. I hope it lasts at least a little while for whoever buys it.

Oh no, that paint would be just fine I'm certain.

 

[MrBClark]

Oh no, that paint would be just fine I'm certain.

How far down did u sand yours? Until u got down to the white or not that far? Also, what grit sandpaper? Thanks

 

[Chris]

How far down did u sand yours? Until u got down to the white or not that far? Also, what grit sandpaper? Thanks

Oh no, not at all. I didn't get through the factory paint. I didn't use sandpaper, I used 3M grey Scotch Brite pads, as those work just as good (if not better) than sand paper, especially when all you're trying to do is scuff up the surface for new paint adhesion.