62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

[John W.]

I am in the process of replacing my convertible top. I replaced the front header tack strip without a great deal of difficulty. I cleaned the dovetail grove really well before starting. I simply pushed the strip in until it was about half way before running into problems. I then put some longer screws in the t-nuts, and tapped them sideways to move the tack strip along. Didn't really take too much effort to get it installed.

Now my question. I am trying to put the front weatherstrip in place to adjust the top frame before installing the top. I am having a real hard time getting the metal retainer strips screwed into the t-nuts that are in the tack strip. The weatherstrip seems to be too thick for the screw holes to line up. I can't push the strip back far enough to get the screws started. Has anyone had this problem? Any quick solutions?

The second problem is that the t-nuts want to spin if I put any torque on them. Should they be glued in place or something?

John

[James F.]

Re: 62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

John,
The "T" nuts originally were not intended to spin. They were intended to slide sideways for adjustments as I'm sure you know. Since you replaced your tack strip I don't know if the replacement strip is responsible for the "T" nuts able to spin or not.

The Corvette Rubber header strip has enough increased thickness so that one finds it impossible to get the machine screws started. This statement is true if you are (still) working with the original steel strip which in crossection looks like the letter "L". First, punch out the holes larger in the rubber head strip. I had to hog out the slot area in the steel strip in order to get the machine screw to drive straight into the "T" nut. This Dremmel action caused the head of the secrew to be smaller than the slot in the steel strip, not good for holding!! I used very thin aircraft washers that had a sufficent lip to overhang the steel strip enlarged hole. It also had a recessed area for the machine screw so height was not comprimised. At Corvette@ Carlisle, Sully Tops had repro streel strips (these in crossection these were straight). I'm told that these will work without all the Dremmel acton. Have not as yet tried them. Actually my solution is pretty satifactory. Regards,

[Don Ursery]

Re: 62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

John,

I know you're very busy with your own problem, but one quick question. What are you doing regarding the bottom rear weatherstripping? I can't locate a kit or single strip that has the "hump". If you have any input, thanks, it not, I understand. Don

[John W.]

Re: Rear Bow Weatherstrip

Don,

I looked at what I had ordered from CC. It does not have the hump in the middle. I also looked at what I took off of the car. It had been on the car since I bought it from GM in 1974. It also did not have the hump in the middle. Is this hump supposed to be designed into the weatherstrip or does it just take this shape as a result of being in the humped grove of the rear bow?

[Richard E.]

Re: Rear Bow Weatherstrip

John - I believe the weatherstrip starts out flat and assumes the inital hump shape over the windsplit as it is pressed into the rear bow channel using the 1/8" cord provided. It will continue to shape the weather strip hump after further use with the top up andlocked down at the rear latches.

Cheers....Dick

[Mike E.]

Re: 62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

The rubber did not have a formed split. If you look at the AIM, you'll see reference to a cylindrical insert in that area-- it's a piece of weatherstripping similar to that which is along the inside trim pieces along the side of the hardtop. That piece (probably 1/2" in diameter and 4-5" long, pressed the "unsplit" rear weatherstrip against the windsplit and the areas to either side of it. Have fun!
Mike Ernst

[Don Ursery]

Re: 62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

Hello,

Thanks to all with GREAT information! I was originally told by a local "expert" that the bottom portion to a '62 Hardtop weatherstrip had a "hump" and are very hard to find. Thanks...I'm starting on the top ASAP. I love this web site. I can sleep at night thanks to information I have received from this site! It's great to have such a wealth of information sharing. Corvettes and its people are VERY unique and something like this only proves this great sharing within. Theres no doubt I could ever complete restoring (and doing it correctly) without the help and info shared from all of you guys (and girls). Thanks to all...take care and keep in touch! Don

[Mike E.]

Re: 62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

Don--
I think you changed horses in the middle of the stream. John was asking about convertible tops, then you asked about the rear, and I assumed you were talking convertible top. The hardtop for a 61-61 has a hump in the rear weatherstripping that is very real and very, very, very, very hard to find. They have been discontinued since already in the early 70's, while the 56-60's are still available. The 61-62 is also different, in that the "hump" piece is about 7" long, and is seamed in on either side of the hump, where the 56-60 piece without the hump has no seams in that area at all.
Good luck!
Mike Ernst

[Richard E.]

Re: 62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

I'm with you Mike. I also thought the reference was to the soft op. But while I have you on the line, we talked a little about the extra little piece of weatherstrip above the hump. The AIM calls out a P/N for it, and it looks like just a round piece of rubber, maybe 5-6" long. Any feel for an approximate size in order to make one? It looks like it is pressed in between the main seal and the bottom of the bow.

Thanks much.....Dick

[Don Ursery]

Re: 62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

Sorry for the confusion. Just got excited. Hope I didn't upset or cut anyone off mid-stream or on another project...Don

[Richard E.]

Re: 62 Front Bow Weatherstrip

Not to worry Don. We just wanted to be sure we had it right. Keep on posting...Dick