not a problem....I have had it like that for 2 yrs now, and no one has even noticed at the meets....lol

 

Get the heck outta here!!! Never thought of just removing the dang thing......and I'll be on my Aero Blue the difference would be even more dramatic than on your black car!

oledoc2u, no issues with marring when the top is up and the rubber weather strip piece contacts the paint? My car only sees about 5,000 miles annually too, mostly with the top down but there are times when I drive with it up.

 

It will definitely make detailing that area easier. No worries about getting polish or wax on the tape.

 

That's why I love this place!!!
DC's roadster's tonneau cover tape is starting to wrinkle...

tonto3.jpg

and I was wondering what to do, but thanks to Doc, I think I'll just go out and remove it.

 

Well, as an update.... Mine has been off since 4-4-2010, and I could not be happier. I have never once considered putting the tape back on. I have no issues with paint rubbing or leaks. Take it off..... you will be happy with the results.

 

3 years now, and no scratches....at all.....what tape? LOL....

 

Twenty mins. and 3 Adams products later, couldn't be happier...

tonto5.jpg

Thanks Doc..

 

Looks so much better without the tape. Were you surprised at how thin that tape is?

 

Very much so, and what a ripp for replacement costs...

Looks SO much cleaner now, and won't have to worry when I wash/wax the tonneau.

 

Wow that looks great. I may try this.

 

Jim...you know how I take care of my cars...I wouldn't have done this if I thought it would hurt anything...the most important part of doing this, was finding out how much pressure the top put on the tape. If you want to assure yourself of this, all you have to do is place a sheet of paper under where the top touches the tape. Tug on the paper once the top is down against the paper...if you can't remove the paper, then there is considerable pressure, but if the paper pulls out easily, then not much pressure....If there is pressure, there is rubbing...and where there's rubbing, there's paint damage..makes me wonder how we keep the water out in the rain...but it does...

 

After taking off the tape I did not like the way the black just stopped flat. So, yesterday after washing the car, I went to a local vinyl sign shop and had a talk with them. I just wanted something to finish off the look.
Went back after I finished the waxing and detailing (about two hours) and he installed them in no time. He said "how about $15.00" so I handed him a $20.00 for getting it done so quickly.
This is what we came up with....

IMGP6549-1.jpg

IMGP6559.jpg

 

Awesome looking!

 

Yep. One more thing for me to copy of someone else's idea.

Oh-and a good idea at that!

 

wow so cool. I just finished cleaning that strip with Back to Black - still not happy wiht it. I should have been paying closer attention to this site. Great tip!
thanks!

 

OK, which 3 Adams products did you use? I've removed the black outer vinyl cover, but the inner clear adhesive remains. It pulled up in a few places, but is mostly intact.

3M Adhesive remover time?

C'mon...let me know?

 

Yep-3M Adhesive and Bumper Sticker Remover.

Looks MUCH better, and, yes, I'll make some tapered vinyl strips for mine too.

Thanks!

 

Hey Max, sorry I missed your question yesterday. Looks like you got the gummy stuff removed with the 3M.
I'm a craftsperson by trade and hobbies, so, I've got a lot of different solvents around. I believe I used straight methanol (stove fuel) and a micro towel.
As to the Adam's products, that was to remove the micro scratches that outlined where the strip had been. Started with their Swirl and Haze Remover, then the Revive Polish, finished with the Buttery Wax. Can't tell there was anything on there before, and a good wax coat keeps the top from re-scuffing the paint. Plus I make sure the seal is cleaned.

 

4 years now without any problems......

 

A bottle of Black shoe edger you can pick up at Walmart works great. My last edging lasted over a year.