When installing, was it easy to 'start over' if needed? Did you consider removing the rain channel trim to get more access to those areas? And, how did you tuck it under the sunroof, and front and rear windows? Credit card and just hope that it doesn't come loose?
Thanks!
Yes you can peel and restick as needed, though each time you do so you stretch the vinyl and in the right light you can see the stretch marks, but it's not unacceptable, it's barely noticeable. This was my first time doing a roof so it's not perfect, but it's near perfect. If I did it again I'd do a better job. I didn't think about removing the rain channel trim, though that would certainly have made that part easier, as that was the only really tricky part. For the sunroof, you just place the whole roof piece on, then cut out a rectangle for the roof (which of course is open before install), then carefully stretch it in and under. I got mine looking perfect, you just take your time. I can take some pics if you want, let me know. The vinyl is very forgiving, you can stretch it and pull creases out, using a heat gun to help with this process...just not too much heat or stretching.
For the front windshield I just cut it with a brand new artists' razor right at the windshield gasket, it meets it perfectly. You could pry the gasket up and put the vinyl under it though. As for the back windshield, I tucked it along the bevel in that area and cut. Again it takes a bit of time but can be done to near perfection pretty easily.
I used a small squeegie that I had leftover from another project, a credit card would work....but whatever you use, cover it with a soft cloth as to avoid possibly scarring the vinyl. As for it coming loose, I don't think that's an issue if the paint is pre-cleaned properly, it sticks right on. The stuff is the same nature of electrical tape, in fact it's like one huge piece of electrical tape, it goes on sticky and is pretty durable. Removing it leaves no residue as such, though after a few years I could see how the residue would be an issue, just like electrical tape after baking in the sun it gets a bit sticky if you try to pull it off.
Make sure you clean your paint properly, have brand new sharp razors, have a 2nd person to help you, and take your time. Watch the "how-to" vids on youtube for this, they were helpful to me.
Well done! I can't help but think though that if all TSX's came this way, there'd be threads showing how people painted their roof to match the car. Unique mod though, and quality work.
Ha ha yes you are right, it's all about doing something just a little different. But truly many newer cars (i.e. some Scions and Mitsus) are now coming stock with a black roof. Just like many newer cars are coming with grey wheels. It's a trend, and doing these things to my 10-year old car makes it look a bit less dated, a bit more modern. Gotta stay creative, it keeps me alive.
