Foil tape over conv pinch weld?

[firstgenaddict]

This is a 45 k mile X66 conv I am painting for a customer.
I have been photo documenting much of the dis-assembly and have found a 1" wide .005 adhesive backed foil wrapped over the pinch weld where the convertible top well trim clips attach. I do not believe the trim has ever been removed, the foil has orange overspray on it, the car had been repainted with Hugger Orange lacquer very early in it's life before being  returned to silver(wrong shade) in the 80's.

 I have never seen this, however I have dealt with few original convertibles. 

[Mark]

it was on my 04L Norwood built Z11 when my chrome trim was first removed as well.  Probably a way of sealing the pinch molding without having to worry about getting sealant on the convertible top during the cars original build.

[Mike S]

 When I restored my '67 the pinch weld area had what looked like seam sealer (or some other type of caulk like goop) along the edge and when the moulding clips were removed they were gummed up with it. What Mark said makes sense to me.

Mike

[dougrmac]

My 69 01B X11 vert has the same tape on the pinchweld.

[william]

Speculating, I believe the foil is there to protect the paint when the molding is snapped into position.

[firstgenaddict]

Speculating, I believe the foil is there to protect the paint when the molding is snapped into position.

Yes, William I believe that is exactly it's function.

The trim clips are quite gnarly for lack of a better word and they would scratch the pinch weld which would lead to premature rust issues.

[KevinW]

I agree, the foil tape was on my 10B (of 68) 69 too and I used aluminium tape to recreate it.  It helped the clips stay on.