Hardtop locking strip

[higgins]

I'm in the process of putting new seals on my Hardtop,

Does anyone have any tips on how to get the locking strip imto the rear window seals? (without needing a special tool)

Any advice is welcome

 

[John Turney]

It has been ~9 years since I did mine, but I recall using a little soapy water for lubrication and my fingers.

 

[andrea]

I haven't the strongest fingers of John- and used this simple tools --this is one hard operation
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LpyEXAilbMbXKPlgYND_Cw?feat=directlink
or
https://picasaweb.google.com/searunner44/RESTORATIONAUSTINHEALEY10061958#
Cheers
Andrea

 

[higgins]

Thanks for your replies and tips.

I'll make one of your "tools", Andrea, tonight.

One question just to be clear. Is the locking strip "pulled in" or is it placed along the entire on the seal and then "pushed in"?

 

[Michael Oritt]

The locking strip must be pushed in. Soap and silicone are helpful.

I recommend using non-metallic tools such as the nylon and hardwood cuticle pushers used by manicurists. They are also good to use on tail/side lights where the glass cover must be worked into the rubber channel.