T-Top seals
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 253
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From: Oklahoma
T-Top seals
I just installed new seals from Ecklers on my 79 and I have big(1/8”) gaps in the front and inboard side. They are the fiberglass tops and wondered if they have misshaped over time? Locks are tight but just isn’t the same as old worn out seals. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks l
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
By seals you mean the weatherstriping? I replaced the WX striping on a 78 but glass t-tops and same increase in height. There are shims on the inboard side that can be removed and reduce the clearance. The new stuff needs to relax into position. I know with the glass t-tops is a warning that the tops ride higher and warn owners not force downward otherwise they crack, not the case with the fiber glass tops.
Also check this YouTube video by Wilcox and compare your application to the instructions.
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/c...herstrip-tech/
Also check this YouTube video by Wilcox and compare your application to the instructions.
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/c...herstrip-tech/
Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Jun 10, 2020 at 04:52 AM.
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Sounds like your tops are out of adjustment. Very good adjustment instructions in the GM service manual. Also good specs in the assb. Manual.
the front outer pin can be loosened up and the center 2 engagement tabs can be shimmed up and down as well as adjusted in and out.
my car had a top replaced by a professional shop years ago. Came back to me with gaps at the front and center. They just didn't take the time to adjust it correctly.
best is to adjust the top with the headliner removed. And I found, to adjust them to spec as per location before installing new weatherstrip. Then shim the center tabs and adjust the latches after installing the new weatherstrip. After all is adjusted properly, then install the headliner.
How big is your gap from top to top down the center?
You want this as tight as you can get it. 1/8th inch is ideal. 3/16th's is O.K. but no more.
Gap at the rear of the tops, try to get them even, around 3/16th's if my memory is correct.
Once you get the tops into the correct position. You will see those gaps close up. Then shim center tabs up or down as necessary . Finally adjust the clamps on the door side's.
the front outer pin can be loosened up and the center 2 engagement tabs can be shimmed up and down as well as adjusted in and out.
my car had a top replaced by a professional shop years ago. Came back to me with gaps at the front and center. They just didn't take the time to adjust it correctly.
best is to adjust the top with the headliner removed. And I found, to adjust them to spec as per location before installing new weatherstrip. Then shim the center tabs and adjust the latches after installing the new weatherstrip. After all is adjusted properly, then install the headliner.
How big is your gap from top to top down the center?
You want this as tight as you can get it. 1/8th inch is ideal. 3/16th's is O.K. but no more.
Gap at the rear of the tops, try to get them even, around 3/16th's if my memory is correct.
Once you get the tops into the correct position. You will see those gaps close up. Then shim center tabs up or down as necessary . Finally adjust the clamps on the door side's.
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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adding shims will only open up the gap. Someone pulled them all out trying to close the gap. You definitely need to readjust.
