How to Install Convertible Roofrail Weatherstrips

Convertibles, because of the nature of the folding top, are more prone to leaks, even with seals that are functioning properly. But if your seals are old and cracked, it is much, much worse. Many carpets and interiors have been ruined by leaky convertible tops. The answer: replace them with quality SuperCar Specialty roofrail seals. Correct installation is very important with these parts, and time spent carefully following these instructions will help you achieve the seal you're hoping for.

General Hints:

1. Take your time! Hurrying, especially when working with adhesives, can cause you to damage your seals. Regarding adhesives, we recommend either Permatex or 3M Black Super Weathersrip Adhesive. They are body oem strength, and the black color is much more forgiving if you happen to get any of it on you or your car.

2. Check your packaging and invoice to confirm that the seals you are about to install are for your year, make, and model car.

3. Don't remove all seals at once. Remove and replace 1 side at a time, starting with the passenger side which is the least often used.

4. Proper fit and function of molded roof rail seals depend upon the correct adjustment of the top frame, relative to the side windows. Do not expect these seals to automatically fit your car without some minor adjustments. If your top frame is not aligned properly, consult a factory service manual or other source for top adjustment details. A little time spent on correcting alignment problems can make your seals last much longer. If adjustments are necessary, adjust your door and side windows, so that there is an even gap of about 1/2" along the top edge of the glass to the back roof rail.

A) Preparation:
Raise the top to a good working height. Remove all old weatherstrip pieces from the roof rails and front header. Scrape out and clean all foreign material from the roof rail frame (Figure 11A), using an adhesive release agent if necessary. You may raise and lower the top to have access to all screws and anchor pins.

B) Install Roofrail Seals:
Install the driver side and passenger side long straight pieces first, then the corner pieces, up to the header.

C) Install Header Seal
(Figure 11B): Cut the sponge rubber seal with a sharp knife to proper length (if molded ends are not connected to side rails). Use an adhesive to bond it to the header. Trim the ends neatly to fit flush with corner pieces. (If the front sections on your model are already attached to the header seal, you can skip this last step.)

D) Adjustments:
Note that the molded holes in the side rail pieces are somewhat oversize and elongated. Position the front side rail pieces laterally, so the door glass top edge enters the groove in the weatherstrip. (Note: the trim angle on all side glasses may be adjusted by making inside-the-body adjustments. Please consult your factory shop manual for details if needed).

E) Recommendation:
We suggest using a silicone-based or water-based spray lubricant on all rubber roofrail pieces, especially when new, to reduce friction where the door and rear quarter glass meets the rubber.

F) To Finish:
Position the remaining side rail pieces as described in step E. Close the top before any adhesive dries, being careful that no adhesive drips out.

G) Afterwards:
Check the alignment of your windows, top, and roofrail seals to assure that there is no interference.

All finished!