1958-1959 Roof Molding Detailing

[YellowRose]

On the Technical page there is an article regarding using black graphic art tape to detail the grooves in the roof molding "sail". I removed the V shaped chrome piece at the end of it near the rear window, thinking this would get me access to taking this molding piece off the car. I don't see any way to easily remove it. I don't want to damage anything so I did not go further. Could the writer of that article, or someone else, tell me how to remove that roof molding sail? I would like to do that detailing procedure. If push comes to shove, I guess I could do it while it is on the car.

Ray "Yellow Rose"

[RustyNCa]

I am not sure, but I have concluded that the only way to get that piece off is under the headliner, actually now that I think about it, I could check on my 59, since the headliner is gone....

[YellowRose]

1958-1959 Roof Molding Detailing

Hi Rusty,

Thanks for the reply. I have decided to try detailing it with the molding in place. In fact, I just got back from the store after buying the stuff I will need to do it. I am going to clean it first and then put on the graphic art tape with glue. This stuff says it is crepe, so I don't know what rain and weather will do to it. I guess I will find out! If you do figure out how those pieces come off, please let me know.

Ray "Yellow Bird"

[Guest]

You have to get under the headliner. Then you can take them right off. Not as hard as it sounds.....

[YellowRose]

1958-1959 Roof Molding Detailing

Hi Tbird!

Thanks for that information about the headliner. I am doing it right on the car. I got three grooves done per the technical instructions on this site before the weather changed. It dropped from 72 to 42 in about an hour or so. So I had to quit. I am going to see about getting a different type of tape, like what they using in detailing a car. I don't know how this crepe paper tape would hold up in rain. Probably not well. My Tbird is going to be a driving car, so it will probably see rain!

Ray "Yellow Rose"

[second59]

The Tape

Ray, Could you keep us posted as to how well the tape holds on. I picked up some of this same tape at Staples awhile back for my 59 and plan on doing the same thing. I will use it on my tail lights as well if it holds. Thanks Tony

[Alexander]

Since that tech article was written, they now reproproduce the chrome sail panels for the 58-60
T-Birds. All the vendors have them.

[fomoco59]

Any black vinyl pinstriping tape (3/8" ?) will work. I used it on my 59, holds up nicely.

[YellowRose]

1958-1959 Roof Molding Detailing

Thanks for the information regarding the availability of reproduced roof molding "sails"! I had not looked because the article said there were none. I will probably still pin stripe mine anyway. If I were going to make my car a prime concourse trailered in show car, I would go with the reproductions. I am looking for some TrimBrite vinyl 1/8" pin striping tape today. With that, I should not have to bother gluing it in as I was doing yesterday with the crepe tape. My concern with that is being crepe, rain might do in the job I am doing. So I will go with vinyl tape instead. You can get TrimBrite at many auto parts stores, so says their website http://www.trimbrite.com/ including Autozone, O'Reilly's, Pep Boys, Western Auto and many others. Those are close by me. I will look for their R208123 - Ultra Black, R20803 - Black Mt, R20802 -Black. Also, I plan on doing the '59 Thunderbird wings the same way using R20895 - Teal Pearl, R20883 - Turqua, R20814 - Lite Teal, or R208120 - Ultra Teal whichever matches best. I have found that 1/8" pin striping is a bit hard to come by, but TrimBrite and Tape Rite both have them. Check out their website.
http://taperite.thomasnet.com/catego...hic-arts-tape? for information on their vinyl tapes. Click on Graphic Arts tape . Thanks for the additional information! Ray "Yellow Rose"

[YellowRose]

1958-1959 Roof Molding Detailing

You asked me to keep you advised as to striping my Roof Molding Sails. Here is some information that might be useful to you. My local Pep Boys had a great selection of Prostripe products, but do not stock 1/8" supplies. Neither does Autozone. O'Reilly's Autoparts and Advanced Auto Parts had a good supply of 1/8" tape, especially O'Reilly's. I found my R20802 black striping there. I have not been able to find any teal or aqua, or turquoise striping yet, so I spent some time on the internet searching. I have found that Beacon Graphics has a good supply. http://www.beacongraphics.com/prostripe.html They have a Prostripe color catalog they will send you for free. I ordered one from them. Then I can look at all the teal colors to see which one matches up best with the color on the '59 Tbird insignia. I will let you know when I get it. Ray "Yellow Rose"

[Guest]

I'd get the crepe off before it rains. That's more clean up if it does.

[YellowRose]

1958-1959 Roof Molding Detailing

Hi Tbirds8!

Thanks! Yup, I will do that. The Bird is in it's nest outta the rain. On Saturday, it is supposed to be nice, and around 62 when we work on the Bird. One of the things I intend to do is to get that crepe off. Another is to look under the floor carpeting, and back seats, on top of the heater box, and see if I can find the Build sheet! I would love it if I can find it. It would be a great record to add to the original instruction booklet that came with the car.

Ray "Yellow Rose"

[bcomo]

Ray:

I just noticed that you live in San Antonio as I do.

Where abouts are you? I'm on Hwy 281 and Evans Rd.

If you want to talk on the phone, send me a PM.

Nice to have another Squarebird in the neighborhood -- finally.

[Guest]

It's supposed to be nice here on sat. also. about 34 for a high.
O well could be 12 and windy.................................Bill

[YellowRose]

1958-1959 Roof Molding Detailing

Hi Bill,

It isn't to far from that temperature here today. I have kept me and Da Bird in Da Nest all day. It will be like that somewhat tomorrow also, but on Saturday, it should be fairly clear and in the 60's. Hopefully, we will get the new alternator on Da Bird and checked out. I have pulled that crepe paper off and will clean that area before putting the vinyl tape on. I hope to get to that while my mechanic is working on the front of the car.

I have found, through a new friend here, parts to do my exterior dress up with! Except for the back part. If anyone has a spare rear end dress up kit that replaces that area above the tail lights, please let me know. It looks like I will have all the front end parts taken care of. Ray