C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

[Jim V.]

Anybody find a solution to sealing the front bow? The repro (Corvette Rubber) header weatherstrip is smaller than original and as a result doesn't seal.

Thanks
JimV

[James W.]

Re: C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

Anybody find a solution to sealing the front bow? The repro (Corvette Rubber) header weatherstrip is smaller than original and as a result doesn't seal.

Thanks

JimV

Jim,

I had a new soft top and all the weather stripping replaced last year by AL Knoch Interiors. I had to adjust the header latches to get the weather stripping to seal properly. Just thought I'd mention that, but you may have already adjusted them.


Best Regards,

James West

[Jim V.]

Re: C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

Jim,

I had a new soft top and all the weather stripping replaced last year by AL Knoch Interiors. I had to adjust the header latches to get the weather stripping to seal properly. Just thought I'd mention that, but you may have already adjusted them.


Best Regards,

James West

Thanks...but your right....already have maxed out my adjustment on the latch.

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

Thanks...but your right....already have maxed out my adjustment on the latch.

I have found it before at places like Rrestoration Supply, or maybe even Steele. I dont remember now, but it is used for some other car line doors or trunk. It has a larger cross section. I will do a little checking.

[Jim V.]

Wayne....you there

I have found it before at places like Rrestoration Supply, or maybe even Steele. I dont remember now, but it is used for some other car line doors or trunk. It has a larger cross section. I will do a little checking.

Thought I would give you a little time Any luck????

[Roger P.]

Re: Wayne....you there

Jim:
I had the same problem with my '65 when I first bought it and got caught in a South Florida downpour. Water was cascading onto the dashboard and me from the "seal" between the convertible top and windshield. On my car, I noticed that the thick black weatherstripping really didn't align properly with the stainless top of the windshield frame (it didn't make good contact). My top is white, so I went to Home Depot and bought the thickest weatherstripping they sell (it looks like two half-round pieces side-by-side). It's called "All Climate ThermalBlend Rubber Weatherseal" made by md Door & Window. I also purchased the best (strongest) double-face tape they sell as the self-adhesive on the weatherstripping won't hold. I applied the new white weatherstripping to the front edge of the vinyl top adjacent to the thick black (mostly useless) existing weatherstripping. You don't see the new weatherstripping at all when the top is closed, and the seal is much improved as it is now making better contact with the stainless steel windshield frame. Give it a try as it is inexpensive and should solve your problem. Make sure to buy good tape or the weatherstripping won't stick for very long!

Good luck,
Roger (50141)

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

Call these guys. http://www.restorationspecialties.com/

[Jim V.]

Re: Wayne....you there

Jim:
I had the same problem with my '65 when I first bought it and got caught in a South Florida downpour. Water was cascading onto the dashboard and me from the "seal" between the convertible top and windshield. On my car, I noticed that the thick black weatherstripping really didn't align properly with the stainless top of the windshield frame (it didn't make good contact). My top is white, so I went to Home Depot and bought the thickest weatherstripping they sell (it looks like two half-round pieces side-by-side). It's called "All Climate ThermalBlend Rubber Weatherseal" made by md Door & Window. I also purchased the best (strongest) double-face tape they sell as the self-adhesive on the weatherstripping won't hold. I applied the new white weatherstripping to the front edge of the vinyl top adjacent to the thick black (mostly useless) existing weatherstripping. You don't see the new weatherstripping at all when the top is closed, and the seal is much improved as it is now making better contact with the stainless steel windshield frame. Give it a try as it is inexpensive and should solve your problem. Make sure to buy good tape or the weatherstripping won't stick for very long!

Good luck,
Roger (50141)

Thanks Roger...I too did shop about looking for a suitable additional weatherstrip. Being a headcase purist, I was hoping on a somewhat original type solution, at least in color. I have yet to find a black weatherstrip which resembles the original in thickness and function. Search continues.

[Roger P.]

C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

Jim:
I certainly understand your desire for originality -- especially for judging. One of my local vintage Corvette mechanics told me that when he does a convertible top replacement, he doesn't use the catalog weatherstripping for the same reason -- it's too small. Instead, he uses a larger rubber profile that is typically used for another location. I don't recall, but it might be the one used for the hood or rear deck lid. You might want to check into that idea. Although I am not having my car judged, I , too, am into originality. However, staying dry in the rain trumps originality in this case. Also, I can easily remove my additional piece of weatherstripping if it became necessary for judging (or whatever) because the double face tape won't permanently stick to the vinyl. My next experiment will be to try replacing my additional weatherstripping piece with a magnetic one (like used on a refrigerator door). I believe that will suck the front edge of the top tight to the contour of the stainless steel windshield frame. As you can see, I'm a "McGyver" (old TV show) at heart. Anyway, if you find the perfect weatherstripping to replace the orginal, let us know.

Regards,
Roger (50141)

[Alan D.]

Re: C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

The top seal has been a subject of much discussion, see "63 Soft Top Header" back in Sept 5, 08. Believe Al Knoch now has two sizes for this seal. Is it possible that these seals are just going in the wrong location? They all seem to me to be tooo far forward.
Photo from original 64 top.

[Jim V.]

Re: C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

The top seal has been a subject of much discussion, see "63 Soft Top Header" back in Sept 5, 08. Believe Al Knoch now has two sizes for this seal. Is it possible that these seals are just going in the wrong location? They all seem to me to be tooo far forward.
Photo from original 64 top.

Are your referring to windlace or weatherstrip? The replacement front weatherstrip is considerably thinner that OE.

[Alan D.]

Re: C2 conv. top front bow weatherstrip

Sorry Jim you're right it's behind the windlace - just forgot what the under side look like.