SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

[Sandman]

Just one question. When applying the open cell weather stipping, where exactly do you put it? Would I apply it as close to the edge or farther away? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[5bird7]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

The hardtop sits at the edge so I would butt the weather stripping right along the edge.

[Ski]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

I'm trying to figure this out too and have gone back to read posts about this issue. I'n not sure you apply it to the car but to the gasket on the hardtop.....or am I totally confused? It seems it would peal off easier in the spring and not leave any residue on the paint.

[steelblue5505]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

Ski,
I have found it much easier to apply the open cell foam to very WELL waxed paint. Put the weather strip right up to the edge along the body as it follows the soft top pocket.

In the Spring or when ever you want to remove the HT the weather stripping just peels or lifts off. If any adhesive residue should remain behing it comes right off with a little wax or the spray-on detail products.

I've been doing this for 4 season changes on my 05. It is simple and it works!

[Sandman]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

What width weather stripping would you recommend?

[Leroy]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

My car didn't come with the hardtop, but I found one and bought it. The top I found was an 03 MSG and it wasn't in the best of shape, but I only gave $400.00 for it. One of the problems was the weather stripping had some damaged areas. I took a razor knife and carefully cut it all off, It was a round rubber tubing about 3/8" in diameter. Then I found a solid foam stripping at a hardware store that was 1/2" in diameter. Using rubber glue I installed one continuous piece around the rear of the top were I had cut off the old stuff. To protect the paint I use a premium masking tape along the edge of the deck were the stripping seals. The larger diameter stripping was no problem when it came time to put the top on the car. I could feel the difference in the amount of force I had to use on the two levers that lock the top down. I'll be putting the top back on my car for the Fall and Winter in a few days. Leroy

[steelblue5505]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

1/8" X 3/8" open cell is the best size. Most use open cell foam. I'm thinking of trying a 100% rubber weatherstrip this year. Either one fits perfectly under the top but the foam if not set in toward the soft top pocket will stick out under the presure of the HT. I've heard the rubber doesn't flatten under the weight and doesn't stick out, plus it matches the color of the hardtop gasket. The open foam is almost grey in color, not black.

[Leroy]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

I didn't have that problem because I removed the original stripping and put the new stuff in it's place so nothing sticks out or can be seen around the edge. I found that the larger stripping not only sealed better but also made the top fit tighter to the car so there is less movement and no rattles. Leroy

[FritsB]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

I'm trying to figure this out too and have gone back to read posts about this issue. I'n not sure you apply it to the car but to the gasket on the hardtop.....or am I totally confused? It seems it would peal off easier in the spring and not leave any residue on the paint.

John, the damage is mostly caused by sand and dirt getting between the car deck and gasket of the hardtop. It will work as a sanding process. Therefore you need to attach the tape to the car, otherwise it will not help at all. The trick is to make a surface on the car that catches the rubbing of the sand/gasket instead of the cars deck.

[Daktari]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

Hi there,

I attached the plastic chrome strip before last Winter and as mentioned earlier, followed the contours of the opening.

However, the outside shape of the hardtop does not exactly follow the shape of the opening. On both rear corners, the shape of the top is more angular than the curve on the opening. This means when the top is placed on, the chrome strip tends to disappear slightly under the corners in these areas. I can live with it like that but for any perfectionists out there, this might be worth bearing in mind.

Gordon.

[Leroy]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

I'm thinking about getting the stainless steel protection strips, but I'm wondering if they show when the top is on the car. They seem like a good idea and I've always assumed they were not visable when the top is on. But since I've gotten a top and have put it on and taken it off a few times, I've noticed the tape I use is sometimes visable in some areas around the edges and I only put it on about 3/8" wide. Can anyone that has these strips recomend them, are they worth the money? Has anyone had a problem with them staying on?

[Black Bird]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

Leroy

Have you thought of using the 5/8" Wheel Well molding instead. You can get it in black and it barely shows on a black car. THat is what I use on mine. Bunny Lou

[timothy]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

I'm thinking about getting the stainless steel protection strips, but I'm wondering if they show when the top is on the car. They seem like a good idea and I've always assumed they were not visable when the top is on. But since I've gotten a top and have put it on and taken it off a few times, I've noticed the tape I use is sometimes visable in some areas around the edges and I only put it on about 3/8" wide. Can anyone that has these strips recomend them, are they worth the money? Has anyone had a problem with them staying on?

I put the stainless steel trim on last spring and I like the look. It will be another month or so before the top goes back on. I'm hoping for a painless and stress free installation. I really don't want to mess with any of the tape etc. Tim

[MATBird]

Re: SCRATCHES FROM HARDTOP

I'm thinking about getting the stainless steel protection strips, but I'm wondering if they show when the top is on the car. They seem like a good idea and I've always assumed they were not visable when the top is on. But since I've gotten a top and have put it on and taken it off a few times, I've noticed the tape I use is sometimes visable in some areas around the edges and I only put it on about 3/8" wide. Can anyone that has these strips recomend them, are they worth the money? Has anyone had a problem with them staying on?

Leroy:
They are not visible. Also the only advise I would give is, if you get them you may have to lightly sand the edges smooth, just so your polishing cloth does not snag on the strips when the hardtop is off the car and you are polishing.