T-top Center Bar

[Tonyrodz]

My 87 t-top GN has rust on the plates that are underneath the tops. I know how to take off the smaller plates but what's the best way to attack the rust on the center plate? Trying to sand it while it's on the car or taking it off to do it? How do I take it off? Is it glued on?
What is a good product to put on the rusty metal underneath the plastic trim panels that holds up the edge of the headliner--plastic piece over the driver and passengers heads.
Thx for any and all replies.

 

[SloGN]

Go to lowes and get some ospho. To treat the rust

 

[Turbo6'86]

You can also use POR 15. Awsome stuff can brush it on or spray it the metal just needs to be kinda smooth. Ive been using it for years. I just coated all my t top plates and the bar with it. The rust will never come back. Once it dries you cant even chip it with a hammer. Can buy it from summit racing, off ebay or from por15. Comes in gloss or semi gloss black and other colors. Its around 40 dollars for a six pack of half pint cans.

 

[Tonyrodz]

There's alot of flakey rust on the center bar. What would be the best way to tackle that? Should I try to take the center bar off? Or should I try to scrape the rust off and level the surface with a light coat of bondo then use por15 on it? Should /could I remove the center bar?

 

[Turbo6'86]

On mine i took the top plates off and the center part as well (all 3 pieces). Cleaned them up with a wire wheel. Then i painted both sides with por 15. I also removed all the weather stripping and did the t bar as well. Then replaced with new weather stripping. I also replaced all the screws with stainless screws. Everything looks better now than factory. Just be careful with por 15. If you get it on you it pretty much has to wear off i wear gloves and on the car covered the seats. Hope this helps. Any questions just let me know

 

[Tonyrodz]

How did you get the center bar off? Is it glued on? I once tried to get one off my firebird and completely mangled it. How'd you get yours off?

 

[MSDGN]

The center bar is not glued on...there are several screws in front and back...you will probably have to scrape off some of the black strip caulk to find them...even then you may have to pry up on the bar a little to get it off...mine had some of the strip caulk underneath...just be careful when prying not to damage it...go slow...you can get replacement center bars from GBody...they are stainless...

 

[jayp57]

X2 on being gentle and not forcing the bar off. If it twists or bends you can't really make it right. If a wire wheel cleans the rust off, coat it with the products mentioned and replace the seals.