James Pickard wrote:
> Anybody have any tricks of the trade for installing the seal between the
> hardtop and the body? First of all, it is not symetrical. Does the lower
> edge go toward the inside or the outside? I can slide the side pieces in
> OK, but the center piece is a bitch. Lubricating with water does seem to
> help much. Any better ideas?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jim Pickard
> B9473298
Jim,
Since I just went through ALL the hard top problems, except rust, I can give you
some pointers.
First, mine is a late model top, and the rear seal looks similar to a door
rear/bottom soft rubber. It runs in the same, or similar grooves as the older
"wide" 3 piece type, but there are small diagonal groove pieces in the corners
to make this one strip. If this is the kind you have, the slightkly longer leg
goes in the outside. Putting it in is a snap, if someone hasn't screwed up your
system. No glue. Just press one edge in one slot side (inside, then push on
the outside part and it snaps in.
If you have the older type, the operation is similar, but the rubber is stiffer,
and the contact portion a lot wider, so that operationis more complicated. I
suggest, if you've got the older one, the use of plastic 1 1/2 inch "putty"
knifes to help push things in place. My first order came with the older kit,
and you had to cut one piece into the three sections you needed.
The best lubrication is a mild liquid soap, if you need one at all, becasue it
washes out, and cleans at the same time. I would use it straight, rather than
diluted with water, as it stays in one place longer, doesn;t dry out as quick,
and is "slicker" as a lubricant. Good, clean fun - don't cut your fingers.
The front rubber is very difficult to get in the groove, but the principle is
the same.
The side windows will drive you crazy, if your using the best reproduction,
without a couple of tricks. Write if you have this problem.
BTW: The newer hard top has different corner rubbber. They are much smaller,
and not generally available. You can "make some" with the older style rubber
and a razor blade.
Good Luck.
Steve
Steve
--
Steve Laifman < One first kiss, >
B9472289 < one first love, and >
< one first win, is all >
< you get in this life. >
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