Can I repair this??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 572
Likes: 28
From: Volo, Illinois
Can I repair this??
My 97 C5 roof weatherstrip that seals to rear of the targa top is torn on left and right side. Can I repair this tears? If so what do I need and is there a video you know shows how to do this?
I know OEM weatherstrip is scarce and cost like $300. Want to repair and make it last few more years if possible.
Thanks in advance....
I know OEM weatherstrip is scarce and cost like $300. Want to repair and make it last few more years if possible.
Thanks in advance....
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,808
Likes: 485
From: Douglas County WI
You could try silicone adhesive. It comes in black and clear. Clean the area with alcohol then apply. You could tape the weatherstripping with masking tape to hold it together until the adhesive sets then carefully remove it. I did this with my C4 and it held and didn't leak. You might want to rub silicone grease or baby (mineral) oil on the rest of the stripping to treat it. Maybe even on the masking tape before removing it to soften up the adhesive on the tape and avoid taking chunks out of the weatherstripping. That or maybe WD-40 or similar.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
LOL! I have repaired numerous neoprene weather strips with simple black Silicone RTV. That and a roll of painters tape and some saran wrap, you can make the repair look good as new.
Use the tape to form the back side of the piece that's missing. Cut a small piece of plastic wrap and place it inside the taped area so the silicone doesn't stick to the tape. Fill the void with silicone and put some plastic wrap over the area.
You can either mold the wet uncured silicone RTV under the plastic wrap OR put the targa top back in place sort of loose to kind of self mold the wet uncured silicone. Once it cures, just peel off the plastic wrap and it should seal well.
In some cases. I've had to put another coat on the repaired area and place silicone over it to smooth it and build it up a little more to make it even with the rest of the seal.
Give it a try in a simple area first to get the hang of it.
Replacement seals are EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 572
Likes: 28
From: Volo, Illinois
LOL! I have repaired numerous neoprene weather strips with simple black Silicone RTV. That and a roll of painters tape and some saran wrap, you can make the repair look good as new.
Use the tape to form the back side of the piece that's missing. Cut a small piece of plastic wrap and place it inside the taped area so the silicone doesn't stick to the tape. Fill the void with silicone and put some plastic wrap over the area.
You can either mold the wet uncured silicone RTV under the plastic wrap OR put the targa top back in place sort of loose to kind of self mold the wet uncured silicone. Once it cures, just peel off the plastic wrap and it should seal well.
In some cases. I've had to put another coat on the repaired area and place silicone over it to smooth it and build it up a little more to make it even with the rest of the seal.
Give it a try in a simple area first to get the hang of it.
Replacement seals are EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 572
Likes: 28
From: Volo, Illinois
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
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Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 16
I may be late to the party but if you are still looking to fix this check out this post,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
I also did a search and found replacement weatherstrips between $90 to $150 if someone is trying to sell you something for $400 take a pass and look some more.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
I also did a search and found replacement weatherstrips between $90 to $150 if someone is trying to sell you something for $400 take a pass and look some more.
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,664
Likes: 7,300
From: CT
Oooh, la la! I just bought some Gummi Fluge to treat the existing seals with. I'm behind on mechanical work by a few nights right now - I spent most of the week back and forth to the hospital for my mom who had a heart attack. =/ But I could use more garage time to clear my head. This approach to fixing areas is VERY interesting. I'll see if I can apply it effectively.
LOL! I have repaired numerous neoprene weather strips with simple black Silicone RTV. That and a roll of painters tape and some saran wrap, you can make the repair look good as new.
Use the tape to form the back side of the piece that's missing. Cut a small piece of plastic wrap and place it inside the taped area so the silicone doesn't stick to the tape. Fill the void with silicone and put some plastic wrap over the area.
You can either mold the wet uncured silicone RTV under the plastic wrap OR put the targa top back in place sort of loose to kind of self mold the wet uncured silicone. Once it cures, just peel off the plastic wrap and it should seal well.
In some cases. I've had to put another coat on the repaired area and place silicone over it to smooth it and build it up a little more to make it even with the rest of the seal.
Give it a try in a simple area first to get the hang of it.
Replacement seals are EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill
LOL! I have repaired numerous neoprene weather strips with simple black Silicone RTV. That and a roll of painters tape and some saran wrap, you can make the repair look good as new.
Use the tape to form the back side of the piece that's missing. Cut a small piece of plastic wrap and place it inside the taped area so the silicone doesn't stick to the tape. Fill the void with silicone and put some plastic wrap over the area.
You can either mold the wet uncured silicone RTV under the plastic wrap OR put the targa top back in place sort of loose to kind of self mold the wet uncured silicone. Once it cures, just peel off the plastic wrap and it should seal well.
In some cases. I've had to put another coat on the repaired area and place silicone over it to smooth it and build it up a little more to make it even with the rest of the seal.
Give it a try in a simple area first to get the hang of it.
Replacement seals are EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 572
Likes: 28
From: Volo, Illinois
I may be late to the party but if you are still looking to fix this check out this post,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
I also did a search and found replacement weatherstrips between $90 to $150 if someone is trying to sell you something for $400 take a pass and look some more.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
I also did a search and found replacement weatherstrips between $90 to $150 if someone is trying to sell you something for $400 take a pass and look some more.