Removed the vinyl top

[Fordman75]

It was close to 50 degrees today so I went out to the storage unit and removed the vinyl top off the LTD. I found one fairly large rust hole and one pin hole rusted thru the roof.:pissed: I still need to pull the trim and remove all the fuzz and adhesive. Then I'll have to weld up all the holes. Hopefully I can get it done without warping the hell out of the roof.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_46_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_47_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_49_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_51_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_50_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_54_full.jpg

[boXman]

What are ya doin' with the Landau lights from the C-pillar?

[Fordman75]

I already promised the lights to a friend of mine.

[grandpaslincoln]

Rust sucks ass

[Fordman75]

Yep rust sucks!! I think I win the award for the rustiest box on this site!:)

[Grand Marquis GT]

Wow, lookin' like you are making progress!!!

What do you use to get the glue and fuzz off effectively?

[Fordman75]

It's not much progress but it's something.

For removing the adhesive I use lacquer thinner, a wax and grease remover and a DA sander.

[Mercmarquis]

You must be going through sanding disks like candy. :)

I cant wait to find all the surprises hidden under my vinyl roof!

[Fordman75]

I bought 2 100 count boxes of sanding discs just for the LTD. But I'm not going to start sanding until it's warm enough to paint. And right now it's only 34 degrees out.:pissed: I don't need anymore rust then I already have!! Once it warms up into the 60's I can start sanding, welding and painting.:welder:

[85crownHPP]

WAIT!!!! this has lights on the outside of the C pillar??? I never seen those!!! Got any pics of them before the top removal??

[Fordman75]

This is the best pic I've got of the roof with the light.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_3_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_25_full.jpg

The lights came on the LTD Landau's. I've got a 79 sales brochure with some good pics of the lights. I'll scan in the pics tomorrow.

[boXman]

You never saw the Landau lights, Pete?!

[85crownHPP]

Nope! never seen em till now...




I've got a 79 sales brochure with some good pics of the lights. I'll scan in the pics tomorrow.

My 79 LTD brochure actually came in the mail today :D But thanks for offering! and yes I think Id like some... but would they look good on a slick top? Im eventually going to remove my top.

[p71towny]

I had never seen those lights either. If I was to put lights on, Id do like a merc.

[Freshmeat]

You planning to remove that metal strip where the front of the vinyl ended?
It looks like you're off to a good start. I use Kroil (very lightly) on adhesive. I had some gum/adhesive remover, but it sucked like you wouldn't believe.

[Fordman75]

Yep I'm going to remove both trim pieces I circled in the pic below. I'm also going to remove all the trim along the lower part of the body and wheel wells.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/2203000-2203999/2203721_62_full.jpg

[Freshmeat]

Nice. I keep meaning to remove more trim, but it's kinda pointless if I don't get it running first.