Hi List,
I have a question and a solution. First the question.......When replacing
the original front and rear rubber seals, how do you tell which way the seal
installs? In cross section the seal looks like it is suposed to be round with
a flat cross piece on one side to fit in the track. The ones from Rimmer are
flatened out instead of round and they are not even when looked at in cross
section. They are "bent" to one side. Should they be installed so they
project inward or outward? Are they bent because of packaging? Has anyone
found a good way of getting them into the track? I really need to know so I
can finish the top. Thanks!
Now the solution.......While trying to install the pieces of stainless
trim under the vent windows, I had a lot of trobule with the original clips
they sent. They were miss-stamped so 1/8 in. pop rivits would not go through
them untill drilled out. They fit so tight when in place that it was very
hard ( impossible) to get the trim on without scratching the paint. By the
time enough pressure was applied to the trim to get over the top of the clip
either the clip deformed or the trim deformed or the rivit became loose and
did not hold the trim close to the top. So what I did was turn the clips into
studs by welding small stainless screws into tnem. I then inserted them into
the stainless trim pieces, sliding them into place along each piece of trim.
This is how many American cars have the trim installed. It only works where
the screws are not blind, but on the top they are out in the open. I then
used small stainless nylock nuts to hold the trim in place. With this type of
fastener the trim can be removed as necessary and the fit is as perfect and
tight as it can be. I dont know what can be done about the trim on the front
of the top. It was obviously flexed when removed for an earler paint job so
the plastic clips have a hard time holding it in place. They work, but not
well. The "stud idea would not work here because the trim and clips are
different and there is not enough room under the top where it seals to the
windshield frame. It might work if new clips were designed and the studs were
only just long enough to go through the top and a thin nut. Next time. I hope
this info will help.
Thanks to anyone in advance who might be able to help with the seal
question.
Paul
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