I have a 2012 black forest green jeep but I bought a 2007 hardtop. It has a tiny crack in it and it was pretty scratched up so I've been thinking about painting it for a while. I decided since I was going to paint the whole thing I might as well do it in a nice brown throwback color to go with the green. I finally started this weekend and it is going well so far. I took all the hardware off and seals pretty quickly. The side windows are a pain and I think I am going to have to get some guitar string unless anyone has another suggestion.

I was planning on leaving the texture but after I got started sanding I tried a test spot and it seems like it will be pretty easy to get ride of it. I sanded, primed with auto filler/primer and then sanded again. The texture completely disappeared after the filler (I only tried the inside) so I guess I am going with the smooth finish.

I'm also not going with a sprayer and just using a nice brand of rattle cans. It's not so much a price issue as I think I can do a nice job with the cans if I go slow and do several coats.

It is probably going to take me a while but I'll post pictures as I go. If anyone has any suggestions or thoughts, they would be much appreciated.

Here is the paint I am using:

Primer: Robot Check

Paint: Robot Check

Clear: Robot Check

 

As far as getting out the windows, just be slow, patient and careful. I've done it but it took some caution. I used some dishsoap on the rubber window grommet to assist the window coming out. You'll need to pull the rubber back just slightly and drip some liquid soap into the crack between the glass and rubber. then let it sit for a few minutes and have someone outside the glass while you push from the inside with firm force. Once it pops out, you'll see why the person on the other side was so important. Go easy, slow and if it just doesn't come out, don't force it. You may need to find someone local who knows how to do it and obtain his help. Good luck.

 

After I posted the above thread, I realized that my window (aftermarket top) has a rubber gasket/grommet, different from the stock factory top. Those tops need to cut the butyl rubber seal with wire or some cutting device that can go between the glass and the top. Sorry for the incorrect info above. Mine is different.

 

Alright I got everything sanded down but I was anxious to get a glimpse of what the final product would look like. I wanted to see the quality of the paint and the color after it dried so I did a test patch on the outside. Texture is completely gone after I primed sanded and primed again. Whats everyone think of color and look? Sorry picture quality is poor.

 

Im all for DIY stuff, But I wouldn't go this route because its not going to stand up to the elements for long periods. Maybe a year or two, but I would imagine it will start to fade and wear off. Rattle can paints have no catalyst to make the harden or cure. It will be dry to the touch, but will come off with thinner or mineral spirits. I would have it painted myself with a flat clear or I would get a DIY raptor bedliner that is tintable and get the brown you want, then spray it. But that brings a texture back. My .02, but you gotta do what you gotta do

 

I really don't like the fade I've seen from Berdliners so im sticking with paint. However, after that spot dried and I did some more reading... I've decided to switch to a brown krylon fusion. Should get that this weekend to test.

 

monstaliner