T-Tops won't shut
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Joined: Jul 2005
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T-Tops won't shut
I just got my newly purchased 78 Pace Car home and bought a set of t-top weatherstripping from Carlisle. I stripped off the old weatherstripping and installed the new ones but now I can't get the t-tops to shut. Is this common? What do I do? It appears that maybe due to the flattened original stripping the t-tops have flattened out in length. I actually need to bend the t-tops considerably to make them fit. I have tried a heat gun to heat it up and have been bending the hell out of them but can't get them to shut. Any solutions?
Bryan
Bryan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
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From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I had the same problem when I replaced the weatherstrip. Ended up lubing the heck out of the weatherstrip and windshield frame. I eventually got them latched. After leaving them latched for a couple of weeks, I can get them on/off easy. I used silicone spray but I thinnk "Krytox" is much better but cost big $$$
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Sewell NJ
The latches and pins for the tops may have to be shimmed to allow for the thicker weatherstrip. I don't have glass tops so this may not apply to you but the pins that go into the center bar can be shimmed using specific shims that you can get from any supplier. The latches usually can be adjusted by turning the adjusting bolts. It's really a trial and fit procedure but with a little tinkering you can get the new weatherstrip to fit correctly.
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Thanks for the replies. I was able to get them both on and latched down but they are real tight. I had to adjust the latch a bit but they are on. I am only afraid that going down the road the body will flex and the panels pop out.
