prepping and re-painting a hard top

[kevkon]

Stupid paint question; Was the color of the top an option when the truck was ordered? For example was there only one top color available with a Marine Blue body?
I had a LR dealer about a mile from my house when growing up and I seem to remember some differences.

[NickDawson]

Stupid paint question; Was the color of the top an option when the truck was ordered? For example was there only one top color available with a Marine Blue body?
I had a LR dealer about a mile from my house when growing up and I seem to remember some differences.

I would also like to know about colors - hoping to match that off-white almond color.

[jrd51ox]

I would also like to know about colors - hoping to match that off-white almond color.

Off white color is called Limestone:

DuPont
Limestone 38505A

PPG Deltron
Limestone 46251

Glasurit
Limestone ROV105/S

........or Rustoleum Almond Spray Paint is very popular.

[NickDawson]

Just to show you all what I'm dealing with, here are some pics.
I'd hoped to prime it today, but it looks like rain.

They are all here in more detail

The top where it gets ugly, the gray is bare metal, the black a mix of bare metal and grime




The back and sides are tooooo bad (by comparison)

[Bertha]

Nick
You need to do a really good job of cleaning that before attempting to paint it. I would buy a comercial type cleaner and scrub that top down really well before putting any sandpaper or paint on it.

[NickDawson]

Nick
You need to do a really good job of cleaning that before attempting to paint it. I would buy a comercial type cleaner and scrub that top down really well before putting any sandpaper or paint on it.

Was thinking the same thing as I took the pictures...I'll see what I can find in the shops tomorrow.

[stomper]

Prior to buying me Land Rover, It was my hobby to detail cars. (they are all under warranty, so I needed something to do).

Buy a good all purpose cleaner (APC). Purple power, greased lightning, fantastic, 409. ect. the more industrial APCs are suppost to be diluted with water to be safe on most surfaces, but I would use it full strength. Wet the surface down with a power washer, or a strong water stream from the hose. spray on the APC, and let it dwell for 15 minutes, but do not let it dry to the surface. Mist with water from the hose if you need. Then use a brush or a scotch brite pad to aggitate the APC on the surface, and break up the dirt. Rinse well with water, and repeat as necessary.

I would not even contemplate paint types, sanding, etc untill you get the surface clean. you need to be able to see what you are working with.

[NickDawson]

Made some great progress with some TSP, a stiff brush and some steel wool

All the black grime is gone and I'm left with a lot a bare metal and very little paint.
Going to get some quotes on having it sprayed, but suspect I'll end up trying a rattle can job on my own.

[brucejohn]

My full top is okay, but my pickup top looks worst then yours. Following along here has me leaning toward the rattle can.

I wouldn't have thought about using TSP, that stuff is great for all kinds of uses.

[thixon]

Nick,

you need a D/A!

[NickDawson]

D/A?

[Bertha]

D/A?

Dual Action(as in orbital sander) and 180 grit sandpaper-any coarser and you will see scratches through your paint.

[NickDawson]

Awesome idea! Got a plethora of sanders (I am not for want of power tools after remodeling my house) - I'll start with some 180 and go lighter from there.

[brucejohn]

Thanks for asking Nick, I was too embarrassed to. Last time I asked what some initials were the answer was some internet slang my 11 year old knew.

What a great suggestion. The tub on my SIIa looks like the PO took an angle grinder to it. Realized his mistake (or ran out of steam real fast) and stopped.

[thixon]

Nick,

I feel obligated to mention that you should wear a respirator or face mask at the least. Lungs full of old paint and aluminum dust is'nt cool.

Brucejohn,
next time ask. I propably should have exlained anyway.