T-Top Weatherstrip Replacement

[Don W.]

I have a 69 with leaky T-Tops. I've ordered and received the replacement weather strips and the green adhesive. Are there any tricks to make the removal of the old and the replacement of the new easy and ensure a correct fit and appearance?

Thanks,

Don

[David B.]

Re: T-Top Weatherstrip Replacement

Don,

I did it on my '69 and it was pretty straightforward, except that depending on the weatherstrip you have, you may have to trim one of the "prongs" because it is not needed as I recall. I think '68(?) had an extra one that is not on the '69. It has been a few years since doing it, so sorry I can't be more specific.

Also, I made a slight mistake that I will caution you on. After attaching the W/S, I thought it would be a good idea to latch the T-tops down to compress them in place overnight. Fortunately, I rechecked them and found that it would have distorted the rubber position a bit and would have been a problem, but caught it in time to correct it. So, I would say, don't make that mistake.

Finally, taking your time, is the most important advice I can offer.

David B.

[Don W.]

Re: T-Top Weatherstrip Replacement

David,

Thank you for your response. I am not clear on what the problem was that you found when you were going to latch them down overnight? Did you need the glue to dry first so it did not shift over or was there some other issue?

Thanks,

Don

[David B.]

Re: T-Top Weatherstrip Replacement

Don,

I don't remember if there was sliding, but couple corner areas tried to rotate from the compression as I recall, pulling away from where they were glued.

I think what I did as a solution was to not latch the tops down but set them in place and put a little weight on them - just enough to make sure that there was about equal surface contact all around. Although it may not be necessary to do so, it seemed like a good idea at the time and worked fine. You probably don't need to do that - but just avoid latching them until everything is dried.

After everything dried, there were no problems. And, the improvement is great.

David

[Warren F.]

Re: T-Top Weatherstrip Replacement

Don,

There are nylon T shaped plugs built into the weatherstripping that encompasses three sides of the roof panel. As you remove the old weatherstripping be careful that you do not break off those nylon plugs, as a portion of them will remain inside the roof cavity, only to rattle around forever. I use a pair of needle nose pliers to pull each one out completely. Of course the new weatherstripping will have these and they just push into the holes to secure the weatherstripping in place.