T Top Weather Stripping Issues
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
T Top Weather Stripping Issues
Replace my T Top weather stripping with new product from Paragon. Now the T-tops sit too low we’re they meet the roof line and they have a slight gap at the sealing area. It is like I need to glue an additional piece on to make them thicker. The old strips had the panel gaps meeting flush... thoughts?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,742
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have those shims. they do correct the panels fitting "flush" to the roof line, but increases the amount of "daylight" between the weather striping and the sealing surface.
thnx for the idea. Jim
thnx for the idea. Jim
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 10
From: mission viejo, CA
I recently replaced my t top weatherstrip with willcox pieces. I had to refit and adjust all adjusting points in order to have the panels match the roof lines, have proper gaps and seal. I removed the necessary interior panels and started from scratch. I did this because, like you, I could not get roof lines to match and seals to seal. I also replaced the center inserts and clamp screws at the same time. My end result is very good panel fit and sealing. Hope this helps and good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
thanks for sharing your experience. My issue, and maybe I am overlooking something. I can adjust with additional shims and get the roof to t-top surfaces on the same plain, but the weatherstrip is then not thick enough to reach the stainless steel trim sealing area. I too removed the center panels, and started with the "tonques" that locate the tops to the T- bar loose, so I could adjust. Then added shims, while in intalled to get the top surfaces on the same plain. Perhaps I need to investigate if there is "preferred" weather strip that is thicker. thnx. Jim
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 10
From: mission viejo, CA
From all the info and reviews that I read prior to my purchase from willcox, all the strips are about the same.
the only difference that I could determine was the material. My suggestion would be to get the seals to seal
and then work to get the roof lines to match. The reason you put new seals on was to seal and replace the
almost 48year old deteriorated seals. The adjusting points that I had to adjust were; center section and top
tongues, top of B pillar, clamps and guide pin on top of A pillar. Prior to all the adjusting points, I was having
very similar issues like you’re having. There are several you tube videos that I looked at also for guidance
and sequential procedure.
the only difference that I could determine was the material. My suggestion would be to get the seals to seal
and then work to get the roof lines to match. The reason you put new seals on was to seal and replace the
almost 48year old deteriorated seals. The adjusting points that I had to adjust were; center section and top
tongues, top of B pillar, clamps and guide pin on top of A pillar. Prior to all the adjusting points, I was having
very similar issues like you’re having. There are several you tube videos that I looked at also for guidance
and sequential procedure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,817
Likes: 470
From: Wichita Kansas
If the gaps you have are that bad, it makes me wonder if they sent the correct weatherstripping. They are a good company and usually carry higher-end products. Can you show a picture of the strips on your panels? I will be replacing mine (for the 2nd time in 20 yrs) and don't want to do it again....
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,850
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From: Tampa, Fl.
Replace my T Top weather stripping with new product from Paragon. Now the T-tops sit too low we’re they meet the roof line and they have a slight gap at the sealing area. It is like I need to glue an additional piece on to make them thicker. The old strips had the panel gaps meeting flush... thoughts?
Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 10
From: mission viejo, CA
Here are a few pics of the weatherstripping kit and then the kit breakdown that I used from willcox. Also a few pics of the glued strips.
after watching several videos, I made a step by step list to remind me what to do. I also only glued a straight section and then the corner at a time.
hope this helps and good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,817
Likes: 470
From: Wichita Kansas
For my money, the forward outside corner of the weatherstrip is key to the whole install. Getting that big fat corner that is the upper forward corner of the window/glass is most important. When I install new ones, that gets attached first, and will sit for 2 weeks so that it stays, then I'll proceed with the rest. Best of luck with your install!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Where your tops line up with the nylon bushings in the forward outer corners is adjustable. Also the triangle pins at the rear outer corners are adjustable. Get your tops in in the center as tight as you can. 1/8 inch would be great, but as tight as you can. Then shim in the center. You should find if you can get your center gap reduced and the rear gap to the rear roof line at about 3/16th's your seals should seal.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
thnx for sharing. I have adjusted the forward and rear corners. The front areas are adjusted "in" as much as they would go. The rear, outside are is adjusted flush with the roof line. At the point, the gap down the center between t-tops is parallel, but definitely wider than 0.125". I have as many shims installed in the inner areas of the T-tops. I would need longer bolts to add more. The roof line to T Top panel surface, drops, with the t tops being approx. 0.250" lower, and I still see gaps between the weather stripping and surface sealing area of approx. .0625". The gap down the center between T tops is a 0.410".
Last edited by 73C34me; Jul 14, 2020 at 09:56 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown VA
I have a slightly different question for yall. I was wondering what the best Weather stripping to buy is, and why? Above Ive seen Wilcox and Paragon and didnt know if yall had suggestions?
I replaced my T-Tops over 10 years ago and the weather stripping that came on them is just deteriorating more and more each time I take off my tops... the car and tops see no weather and has been garage kept is whole like, no sun, no rain not anything, so I dont understand why they are deteriorating, other then being super cheap seals. I just want the best seals I can find. I have a 79 btw.
Thanks so much
I replaced my T-Tops over 10 years ago and the weather stripping that came on them is just deteriorating more and more each time I take off my tops... the car and tops see no weather and has been garage kept is whole like, no sun, no rain not anything, so I dont understand why they are deteriorating, other then being super cheap seals. I just want the best seals I can find. I have a 79 btw.
Thanks so much
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 156
Likes: 43
From: Baltimore MD
Did you fix this issue? My passenger side T-top has a gap of about 0.125" between the weatherstripping and center support. I kind of think my passenger side T-top glass is deformed a bit (from the manufacturer) so I'm wondering if I can compensate. Let me know if you have any lessons learned.