Jschoepf

Hi guys. I'm looking for some new weather stripping for my '86 TA w/ T-tops. I figure you guys as third-gen owners, at some point, must have had to change the weatherstripping, (HOPEFULLY) So I was hoping for some part numbers from various sources that you guys would consider reliable, and to have what I would need.

Thanks in advance.

f355bird

iTrader: (2)

Heres where i bought my from they had a good price http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6763

Jschoepf

thanks

GarageToys

iTrader: (6)

From what everyone has told me, GM weatherstripping is the only stuff that fits perfectly.

The GM part number for the whole kit is 10164133 and the price at GM Parts Direct is $211.51 The catch is that they hit you for about $45.00 shipping. It's still a lot cheaper than going to a dealer.

EDIT: It's also a more complete kit than the eBay reproductions. It includes every piece you need, including the weatherstripping that goes on the T-Top itself.

Camaroguy18

yea, I got my GM weatherstripping in last week....it's amazing how you can think the stuff thats on now 'looks like its holding up well', and when you get the new stuff you realize how bad the old stuff really is. Go GM and you wont be disappointed...I heard softseal and other brands eventually fail, even when installed properly

Jschoepf

thanks guys. Did you put it in yourself or did you have someone do it. If you put it in yourself is this hard to do? My weather stripping is so bad that my drivers seat looks flooded when I'm done washing it or when it has rained semi-heavy. there are large gaps where it is missing. I know it's not 'holding up pretty good'
Anyways thanks again

deadbird

The GM kit will come with what is basically assembly line instructions that tells you down to evey last detail how to apply the seals.

Here is a chopped piece of the instructions that come with the OEM kit....
http://www.deadbird.org/z/ttopawning.gif

I've kicked myself in the posterior too many times over trying to 'save money' buying aftermarket.. OEM isn't that much more expensive unless you're really tight fisted with a dollar.

f355bird

iTrader: (2)

Well i wouldnt go say the GM stuff is all that great either i have known numerous people that within the first few years of owning their cars the ttops leaked. But to each his own every car is different on how long it will last no matter what brand you use. Also didnt i see a post not to long ago that they are no longer making GM replacement ttop weatherstripping for are cars. I thought some of are sponsors were running a special to get rid of what inventory they had. Better buy it up soon before you cant buy it anymore or the price goes through the roof.

firebirdjosh

iTrader: (1)

That doesn't mean anything, could be from body flex or other factors. I replaced half of my weatherstripping with some stuff from Year One and it sort of blows. Didn't really fit that well unfortuantely.

Jschoepf

Well, I'm probably going to go with GM. So does everyone think the GM Parts Direct is the way to go? Before I spend $250? I don't plan to go aftermarket.
But I also didn't know if it would be best to get it from GM Parts Direct or GM-RESTORATIONPARTS.com

Chris5k

The $250 for one t-top or both?

f355bird

iTrader: (2)

its for both i paid half that for mine

Chris5k

So are you satisfied with your purchase? I have the same exact problem as mentioned earlier.. drivers seat gets soaked.. really annoying driving around sitting on a towel, or getting a wet *** lol.

f355bird

iTrader: (2)

havent had a chance to put it in yet. It looks a lot better than whats there. Will probably be putting it in this weekend.

f355bird

iTrader: (2)

I will tell you one big tip is to clean all of the tracks where your ttops seal and spray all the weatherstripping with spray silicone that help mine a lot.

Chris5k

Thats a good tip, thanks man! I will do that this weekend.. Florida weather is killing me, and my seat lol.

f355bird

iTrader: (2)

Use some rubbing alcohol or some wax & grease remover to clean it.

Jschoepf

Well F355 bird if the rumors I've been hearing are true the aftermarket stuff you got is probably not gonna fit quite right, if you haven't put it in yet.
But that's just Hearsay, I'm not sure.

thanks guys

We went out last night for my birthday (which is today) and I got all the money I needed, (plus the money I already had) to get most of the repairs I need done:

New Alternator
New Weatherstripping
Heater Core Repairs (It's leaking inside the car now! )

jcurrieirocz

installing them is key what you use to glue em in and is you apply it right.... even a brand new set will leak if not sealed correctly.

I always say GM designed there ttops really bad.... if the new rubbers arnt sealed in properly gm basicly designed a gutter system you channel water right onto your knee and back seats.

oh and to add make sure you get a good bond with the sealant and the cars roof and to the rubbers,,,remove grease dirt...maybe even rought up the paint alittle. Spray the silicon after the rubbers are installed.