New Paint, should I buy new T-Top weatherstripping?

[bishir]

My car is in the process of getting painted. My friend who does body work for a living is doing it while I strip the car. He suggested I remove the T-Top weatherstripping (which is in good shape) so we can remove the trim around the T-Tops. This sounds good, but won't I ruin the weatherstipping removing it? Also, am I correct to assume it will be 300-400 to replace? What should I do?

Thanks,

James

 

[zam70]

If it is glued in - yes, you will more than likely ruin it.
He's trying to do a thourough job (correct way to do it)...You could leave it on and mask everything but you run the chance of tape lines.

It's up to you...

 

[Red Regal T]

Just mask off the mouldings. TTop weatherstripping is expensive and there is no guarantee that the new stuff won't leak. It's also difficult to install. Also, that trim moulding is very delicate, easy to destroy, and is screwed and glued in place. It's also not available. It's not worth the time or expense to tackle that job.

 

[bishir]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like I either do the job right by removing the weatherstripping and trim, or save a few bucks and time and risk tape lines. I found a good deal on some weatherstripping (from GM) so I think I'm going to try to remove it. Wish me luck

 

[87 WE2]

if you mess up the plates or they are rusted etc... www.gbodyparts.com is carrying new stainless replacment weatherstripping channels, etc... for t-tops.

 

[Red Regal T]

Originally posted by bishir
. Wish me luck

I don't know what tape lines you would risk. The narrow strip of painted area across the top of the windshield? Yes. Across the roof bordered by the moulding? Yes.

The amount of work and expense you are putting on yourself will not make any appearance difference, but you're new seals may leak. Wish you luck?

 

[bishir]

Seals already leak so what, don't they all?

 

[The Pro]

I've got a T-top car... That heap will *not* leak unless you pressure wash it and hit the window at an angle.... Pete Serio did the complete adjustments to that unit, and I've not had a problem in over 6 years since he put his hands on it.

 

[bishir]

Okay, I decided to go for it and remove the weatherstipping and do the job right. I'm glad I did because their was a dime shaped rust hole on the driver's side under the weatherstipping. That explains the leak!

Anyways, everything else looks normal. I decided to treat everything with some Ospho as well. It will be getting repaired right and I fell good about it. The factory caulk used absorbs water like a sponge. My car hasn't seen rain or a bath in months but when squeezed water came out of it!

I hope to have some leak free T-tops in the future. I'll post pics soon..


James