Hey, I read the tech article on replacing t-top weatherstripping, and I'm currently waiting on my 8 piece kit, to re-do the seals on mine, but I've got a few questions as to a few things.....

First off, the tech article mentions a special product by 3M to remove the old seals, yet the name of the product isn't given. Can someone tell me what this product is or something that might work just as well?

Second question... I didn't think to ask if my kit comes with the adhesive. In the event that it doesn't, what product am I looking for here? What's the best sealant to get?

Last question.... the tech article seems to put great stock into replacing the t-bar in the event of rust. How **** do I have to be when checking my t-bar? I have some rust along the inside grooves (under where the tops sit), but I've never experienced a leak on the inside of the t-top, just around the corners and the sides (isn't it odd how they never leak in the same place twice?). Is it really a big deal if there's a little surface rust on it? Could I just sand it down a bit and repaint it?

I'm selling the car soon (hopefully), so I don't want to keep dumping money into it.

Mathius

 

If the weatherstripping isn't torn up and you are selling the car don't bother replacing with new stripping. Just pull the old stripping back from the body and put a generous amount of black weatherstripping adhesive in there. That's what I did and no more leaks. Shoot it all down under your t-bar also. The water gets down behind the weatherstripping and leakes in. Sale the new stripping to someone keeping their car. You'll achieve the same end result (for the next guy) and it will only cost you $5.00 versus whatever you paid for the stripping.

 

Torn up, no, but it's pretty well dry rotted in areas. I don't know what happened to the car before I got it, I know it was in at least one major accident that caused some stress on the front windshield causing leakage and some pretty severe water damage along the front that I had to have patches welded over. Cost me about $900 (which was at least cheaper than having to re-weld the front pillars thank ***). I don't think I could get by with just sealant, I really think the seals need replaced. I figure I'll make up that $300 in the price of the car anyways. I mean I can go about it a few ways.... I can be a real ******* and not mention the leaking problem when I sell the thing (not my choice, I try to be a good guy), I can tell them about the leaks, and probably have to drop my price tag, or I can fix the leaks, and probably get what I want out of it.

I'm just ready to get rid of the thing so I can pickup something with an 8 under the hood and start working on it.

Mathius

 

You need weather stripping remover. The adhesive is 3M #08008. If the t-bar's not to bad then you could sand and paint.
Removing the old weather stripping is the worst part. Good luck.

 

Yep sounds like you need to replace the stripping. I admire that your not looking to screw the next guy. Haven't removed mine so can't help you there, but Good Luck!!