Painting the freedom top

[Rummie]

I am going to order Gator when it's available. I want a tan freedom top like the Wayout. If it's not available to order from the factory at some point I'll have it painted after I get it. My question is if it would be ok to get the black top and have it painted or if the finish is somehow better for painting if you get a body color top. I know next to nothing about painting. Any advice appreciated.

Sponsored

 

[sbetts]

I am going to order Gator when it's available. I want a tan freedom top like the Wayout. If it's not available to order from the factory at some point I'll have it painted after I get it. My question is if it would be ok to get the black top and have it painted or if the finish is somehow better for painting if you get a body color top. I know next to nothing about painting. Any advice appreciated.

Ive seen it said elsewhere you need to get a painted top. The black top is more of a textured (almost bed liner like material). I dont think paint would adhere to that well.

 

[Rummie]

Thanks sbetts.

 

[FL Handle Guy]

I am going to order Gator when it's available. I want a tan freedom top like the Wayout. If it's not available to order from the factory at some point I'll have it painted after I get it. My question is if it would be ok to get the black top and have it painted or if the finish is somehow better for painting if you get a body color top. I know next to nothing about painting. Any advice appreciated.

I repainted the hardtop on my LJ Rubicon after dragging it down a washout. It was textured and it held up great for the 4 years I had it.

Like any painting the most important thing is the prep. I cleaned, cleaned it again and wiped it down with alcohol before priming and painting it with satin krylon fusion.
The tops are made of fiberglass. Just lightly scuff it with a scotch bright pad and the paint will stick quite well.

 

[steffen707]

maybe you could try plasti-dip?

 

[sbetts]

One thing about Jeeps ~there are usually 20 roads to Rome! If you want a glossy finish, a textured finish or you name it, it can probably be done! This forum is full of creative people!

 

[gsxr310]

It can be done! I did this to my textured black top on my JL. Came out perfect! The prep work involved is pretty labor intensive! Need to sand off the texture if you want a glass finish! I also had my painter do the interior in a satin black finish.

 

[sbetts]

It can be done! I did this to my textured black top on my JL. Came out perfect! The prep work involved is pretty labor intensive! Need to sand off the texture if you want a glass finish! I also had my painter do the interior in a satin black finish.

wow! Looks great. I wouldn't have dreamed you could get that texture to a smooth surface.

 

[Rummie]

It can be done! I did this to my textured black top on my JL. Came out perfect! The prep work involved is pretty labor intensive! Need to sand off the texture if you want a glass finish! I also had my painter do the interior in a satin black finish.

Wow! That turned out great.

 

[MATANZAS STING RAY]

Wow! That turned out great.

I have the same plan, buying 2 qts of Stingray, some prep work , spray, clear and and Wa-La... save myself 2k..... Paint prep is the Key!

 

[Limitless]

Its labor intensive as others said to get the texture sanded down. May be worth while to sell the textured top and buy painted top and color match.

If your going with Gator exterior, a textured tan top may provide good contrast.

 

[RedTRex]

I think textured would look kind of cool. Less work too.

 

[2020 SCRAMBLER]

My rationale for black is it’s easy to touch up. Between taking the top on/off, carrying cargo (my plan is a roof rack), and off road use it’s going to get scratched.

My last removable top was painted...and my last SUV had a massive glass roof panel. I’m tired of worrying about the roof.

 

[5JeepsAz]

It can be done! I did this to my textured black top on my JL. Came out perfect! The prep work involved is pretty labor intensive! Need to sand off the texture if you want a glass finish! I also had my painter do the interior in a satin black finish.

Bitchin interior!

Hey saw Haggerty Barn Find Show where the guest says get your rust free example Southwest and get your interior Northeast. Maybe paint stays brighter longer and matches better in certain climates. Also why climate controlled garages!

 

[Rummie]

I think textured would look kind of cool. Less work too.

I think that may be the ticket.

Sponsored