I needed to replace the weather stripping on my 77. I bought the kit and it has worked very well on the doors, hood, etc. I had a dent in my outer trim of my driver side T-Top so I bought replacement trim to clean her up and make her shine again. That was four months ago.

I finally got around to taking the T-Tops apart, removed all the stripping and the drivers side crumbled in my hand as I tried to remove it. (Wait, that is not the problem yet, be patient).

I managed to break apart the old bolts and get the trim off the t-tops, but not a problem, I had new stuff to put on there. (Wait for it).

I put the new trim on the T-top and it didn't match on the outer side. I thought, crap, I bought all of this which I can use the front and corner, but the driver side trim won't work. Okay, live and learn right? (Wait, still getting to the issue). Here is the new trim sitting below my ttop trim.



I find a T-Top from a parted out 77 and buy the drivers side. It arrives today and I begin to take it off to put on my 77. It isn't the same. This one has two pieces of stainless trim to it, and mine only had one. So being the dull tool that I am I said could there be something I am missing in the T-Top weather stripping.

Here is the new Ttop with two part assembly.


Sure as heck, the stripping material I have will work well with the two piece design of the t-tops I don't have, and not with the t-top design that I do have.

So here we go for those of you patient enough to follow this issue. I still have a damaged driver side outer trim AND I don't have weather stripping that will fit the t-top style that I own.

This is the front locator of my 77 Ttop.


This is the front locator of my replacement Ttop.


And this is the rigid weather strip from my Ttop (the side that didn't rust away) and you can see the part number


So please, can some one out there tell me what I need in the way of a replacement part for my 77 Ttop and what Ttop weather stripping will work with my original tops? Part number any good as a reference?

What a mess.

Your help will be appreciated. Thank you.

David

 

David,

This is an easy one, in 1977 there were two different design's on the roof panels.

Early and Late.

Tops with the rigid weatherstrip are late tops. Cars with the two piece design retainer are early.

Early cars used a retainer to hold the weatherstrip over your head, Late had metal in this part of the rubber and did not need the retainer. You need to find a 77 Late molding for your top.

Here, this will help you understand.

Early tops click here:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=115

Late tops click here:
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=116

Willcox

 

Okay, that does explain it, thank you. I could have used this advice about $100 ago, but now is better than never and I know what I need to do. Does Willcox sell 77 Late T-Top Weather Stripping?

Anyone know where I can find used good condition 77 Late Drivers side molding?

The search continues but thank you for the help, much appreciated.

David Howard

 

Check the for sale section of this group.



Lots of random stuff floating around in there, and some people with parts cars.

 

David, I know we have the t-top weatherstrips, I should have the molding used. Call Norm or Tommy tommorrow and they will check.

W

 

I'll call tomorrow. Thank you for your help and best regards,
David

 

Does this mean that the weather strip I have for my t-tops will work on the 77 Early models only or will it work on 68-76? I have both sides in perfect condition and I would like to make them available to someone on the forum but I want to make sure I tell them accurately what they can be used on. I have been mislead too many times, don't want to mislead anyone because I didn't ask the right question.

Also, my extra T-Top without the interior pad is now worthless to me so I will try and see if anyone wants that as well.

Live and learn.

Thanks for your help.

David

 

The quick way to tell the difference on the weatherstrips is this: Early weatherstrips did not have any metal in the section over your head. The late did.

The proper application for the weatherstrip is 1970 – 1977 early. 1968-1969 Cars used a totally different weatherstrip. The 70-77 weatherstrip will work as a replacement for a 1968-1969 car.

w

 

Had a similar experiance with my '75. Got new weatherstripping and the T-top rubber didn't fit. Come to find out the mirror T-tops were different than the painted. Ordered a correct set for the mirrored and now both sets of tops have new rubber.

 

Wait until you have to redo your A/C!

TommyJ

 

I hear you loud and clear. The air conditioning blows hot, so I suppose that is on my things to do list.
You speak from experience I suppose!!!
Fun stuff these cars are.
Love it.
David
77Sleeper

 

Still in work. Let me know when you start the A/C project. Cheers..

TommyJ

 

David, are you always online?

 

Seems that way sometimes doesn't it? I had a hard time sleeping last night so I stayed up late and worked on the car research. I am a firm believer in measure three times, cut once, so I was researching all the data on the calipers, brakes, etc. I had heard from the group and was making some prints of "how to". I am ready to dig in tomorrow so I won't be online much and Sunday I have a car show so won't be on much at all. It runs in spurts actually. Lots going on though.
Best regards,
David

 

Keeps you young! I'm going to forward your pictures to my home machine. I can't see them very well on the virtual network.

I'll try to email you tonight if I see something.

 

Thank you. I re-sent them to assist. Thanks for your help, much appreciated.
Best regards,
David