Raptor Spray-On Liner Fixed Top

[Kibo]

Originally Posted by WanderingBob

Bahaha! "Purplguk" is a cute story, but that eggplant emoji ... cracked me up.

Pretty sure people use it for innuendo, but don't tell my girls that!

[Ocsmb]

Originally Posted by nemesisnight

Raptor lined my top, middle stripe and bottom. The color didn't really come out super close on the top, its darker. The stupid shop I went to couldn't find a color code and we tried to visually match it but it turned out darker so I would suggest going a shade or 2 lighter than what you think to get a better match., seems to be holding up good the the many tree branches that drag on that beast of a top. Just sand and prep it really good. I have lots of pics of my process in my profile.

What’s the best method for removing and reinstalling those side windows on the fixed top?

Also did you line the rain gutter too?

[listonb]

I just did this to my 99 6.8L v10. Sanded the entire thing, top and bottom. Then did a two tone black/metallic charcoal. 2 coats total of each.

[Justgosurfin]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Having done two pop tops I can tell you that the quality of the tint base for matching your color makes all the difference. I did Rusty with the cheaper tint base that my local auto paint store had. I had so much in the project already and didn't think it would matter. It did. I think it was Nason, a common auto paint brand but not top tier. The second time on Twogone's van he splurged for Dupont tint base. It matched a lot better.

I would love to do this with a fixed top but honestly I don't think the bigger area of a fixed top looks as good when contrasted with the smooth paint on the rest of the van. It's all personal preference of course.

what steps did you take to prep the penthouse for paint? did you remove the lower trim?

[Justgosurfin]

Originally Posted by dig255

No, but if your willing to drive to Georgia I can get you "such a deal"

Is said "deal" still available?? wanting to do the whole van too. Any idea on cost?

[SlimKiteGuy]

Originally Posted by listonb

I just did this to my 99 6.8L v10. Sanded the entire thing, top and bottom. Then did a two tone black/metallic charcoal. 2 coats total of each.

Did you paint the inside of the hood with the Raptor Liner? Never seen that but seems like a good idea assuming it holds up to the warmer environment...

[Vanimal]

Originally Posted by SlimKiteGuy

Did you paint the inside of the hood with the Raptor Liner? Never seen that but seems like a good idea assuming it holds up to the warmer environment...

Shouldn't be an issue as Raptor paint has lasted years in my pick up bed. It is a grey color which absorbs less heat but the heat on Econoline hoods is not as bad as metal hoods!

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by Justgosurfin

what steps did you take to prep the penthouse for paint? did you remove the lower trim?

If you mean the seal around the bottom of the PH then yes. The plastic rivet things can be removed easily and can usually be reused. If yours are in bad shape SMB can sell you the seal and/or the rivet/plug dealios.

I sanded the tops down going from rough to fine grade, patched cracks and other imperfections in the fiberglass and primed the tops. It's quite simple from a bodywork perspective because it's all flat compared to curved automotive bodywork. The ribs in the top are not a big challenge.

This job can be done on the van if you have room to do it. I would recommend outside away from everything if you don't have a paint booth. Raptor does aerate more than you would think being so thick and overspray gets on everything nearby. Here's more, first page or so of this thread:

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ild-17355.html