C1: Painting soft top compartment. Need advice.

[Dave F.]

I am having the soft top compartment painted the interior color on my early 1959. The problem is, neither the painter nor I know where to stop painting. There is no natural break. And on the lid it's hard to tell which components (where the soft top frame bolts on) should be painted red or black.

I have tons of Corvette books, but none of them have pictures of this area of the car. You'd think someone would have taken some shots of this area. I can't even find a description in the judging guide!

Anyone '58 or early '59 owners have a picture or description of how this area should look? Any help would be much appreciated.

-Dave

[Dennis C.]

Dave... Try This...

...Remove the gas tank cover hardware as the cover was in place but not fastened or sealed with calk until after paint and the wire harness installed. Paint it in place like that. The deck lid cover paint process is similar to the engine hood and trunk lid in that the weatherstrip rubber will cover the break line of paint on the under edge of the cover. On the forward under edge of the lid cover, paint it the same way even though there is no weatherstrip. I suggest painting the lid off the car and applying weatherstrip before bolting it in place - much easier, though probably was painted in place at factory. Dip paint the soft top support brackets semi black and bolt in place with seatbelt brackets. Mask off your black glove box compartment completely. Now, you're ready to paint red. Cover the underlid and soft top compartment fairly completely with color. Spray behind the seats and toward the lock pillars and toward the floor just enough to cover the seatbelt brackets and leave a little overspray on the floor. Keep in mind that in painting this area, you are not trying to achieve a Rembrant quality finish... I hope this helps a little... It sure got a lot easier when they started painting the deck and trunk areas with body color. Good Luck, Dennis

[John H.]

Re: Dave... Try This...

Dave -

Here's a photo of the color separation in that area on my red/beige '57 that may be of help; I'm not a '59 guy, but I think the treatment was similar.

[Dave F.]

Re: Dave... Try This...

"...I hope this helps a little... It sure got a lot easier when they started painting the deck and trunk areas with body color..."

Thanks for the description Dennis. I am bringing this all on myself as the car is currently painted exterior color in there and I would probably be fine with it that way judging wise (although the job they did previously was not all that great). I think the interior color will make for a nicer presentation though.

-Dave

[Dave F.]

Re: Dave... Try This...

Now that's what I'm talking about! Beautiful car John. Thanks very much for the pic.

-Dave

[Dave F.]

Re: Dave... Try This...

Well, beautiful compartment anyway, I can't see the whole car. I'm sure it's stunning though.

-Dave