T-top reconditioning

ocuyler · #1 04-01-2003, 10:43 PM

The aluminum t-top that came with my 23' is pitted at 6' and above from salt water. If I choose to paint the aluminum frame with same color as the interior, what preporation do you reccomend prior to painting? Would you add clear coat? Two part or one part?

Second, this top came with a unique stiff fabric attached with nylon string. It's much stiffer than Sunbrella, more like a heavy sail material. The canvas guys around here are clueless, as there are only a few CC's in the area. As I tend to do alot of high speed trailering, the replacement must be appropriate for this. Any vendor links or comments?

Thanks,

Otto

EP · #2 04-01-2003, 11:05 PM

I would no doubt use starboard or a similar material for the top. I used it and absolutely love it. Gives you something to bolt through for antennas and radar and is just like having a hard top. No Flapping and looks a whole lot better in my opinion. As for paint, I used a Rust Oleam “hammered” and it came out real slick not showing any pitting and bonding to the surface with only washing. Been on a year and still looks awesome.

ocuyler · #3 04-02-2003, 01:32 AM

EP,

Thanks. What a terrific reply. That's exactly what I'll do. I looked into starboard and think I remember needing 2 full sheets and having a seam in the middle. Mine is roughly 5' wide x 7' long. I can use the extra pieces for several things. 3/8"? or 1/4"?

What color did you paint the frame?

Regards,

Otto

[ April 02, 2003, 12:33 AM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

EP · #4 04-02-2003, 08:36 AM

I used an aluminum color but they have many colors that you can chose from. Easy to come by too as it is ussually in any Rust Oleam display. I believe I used 3/8 as mine overhang over the frame of the top 5 inches all around. Your top is quite a but larger but as long as it ends at the framework I would use 1/4. (the stuff isn't cheap) I believe their was a good supplier posted for it not so long ago. I routered the edges and the stuff was easy to work with. Good Luck and I assure you that you it will be awesome looking.

other tom · #5 04-02-2003, 09:15 AM

The material you have is most likely Weblon. Similar pricing to Sunbrella, more durable and retains water-proof state longer. Usually constructed of 2 -ply, allows white on top, and accent color of your choice on the bottom.

Painting the aluminum will likely look good for awhile, but when it chips (it will) it will look like @$#%. Also, if the aluminum is pitted, it is a result of corrosion/oxidation, which will get worse over time and be ther first place to chip off. Best bet would be to use some heavy duty rubbing compound and some bronze (not steel) wool. You'll get most of it back, then use Colinite's metal wax.

Starboard will work, but it weighs a bit more than you may want and is pricey. don't go over 1/4", maybe thinner.

EP · #6 04-03-2003, 01:54 AM

1)In my opinion sunbrella is not a good fit and finish for a boat that has been all redone (much better options for redoing the top than fabric) If I can remember correctly the starboard sheets are larger than 48" wide so one might do it. I will post my pictures today hopefully. (with johns help).
2)Obviosly the paint isn't the best idea but it is inexpensive and looks like a new top for at least 4 years in which you could spray it again. The "hammered" paint is exactly for an application as this. Good Luck