when to replace a Fordor top

[HughAllen1]

I need to replace the top on my 1929 Model A Fordor. I bought a kit from Mac's. I have 2 friends who have different opinions on when the new top should be installed. One friend says to replace the top before you paint the body, otherwise you may damage the new paint job while putting on the new top. Then mask everything up to protect the new top. The other says to paint the car, then put on the new top. Anyone out there have any opinions?

HughAllen1

 

[J Franklin]

If you are careful either way works. personally I would paint first just because there would be less to worry about, masking, overspray, & Etc..

 

[rotorwrench]

I 2nd that. Paint all the metal you can to protect it from corrosion around the edges of the top and under it. Tape off the new paint to protect it using the masking tape with lower tack sticky on it. It's easier to remove tape scum from cured paint than from a vinyl top and edge strips.