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Leaking convertible top

T

Tinster

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Guest
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Some advice needed, I think. The convertible top on my
1969 TR6 appears to be in very good condition. It is an
aftermarket top of unknown age but the vinyl is soft and
pliable and plastic window crystal clear. I have used it
maybe 5 times since I bought the car from Pedro 4 years
ago. I believe the owner before Pedro installed the top.
That would make it 7 years age minimum.

The top leaks pretty fast along the interface of the windshield
top aluminum strip and leading edge of the convertible top.

Is there supposed to be some kind of rubber gasket on top
of the aluminum strip? If not, here's two photos of what
my existing conditions are. Any diagnostic/replacment/repair
suggestions are welcome. No other leaks in the top.

Thanks, Dale(Tinster)

windowshield.jpg



convt-top2.jpg
 
Dale,

If that is a rubber seal on the leading edge of the soft top, it looks like you could use a new seal. It attaches to the header rail of the soft top and seals against the aluminum strip on top of the windscreen. It is part # 681-040 from Moss, lists for $12.45. Add it to your next order from Tony. There is also a three piece section of channel that is supposed to be there to hold the seal. Can't tell from that photo if you still have those pieces or not.
 
Thanks Shawn, appreciated.

It will give me something to tinker with.

The aluminum strip on the windshield is installed with
pop rivets. I assume I just drill out the pop rivets if
I want to replace that worn out aluminum strip?

Thanks as always, you got any snow yet?

dale
 
Dale- Do you have the TRF or Mosses break down of the top?
 
Dale, those aluminum trim covers are a pain. No sooner do you get one on and it scratches, no matter how careful you are with the top. Especially up here where it gets cold and the top shrinks and is hard to pull down tightly. If I remember, they are not cheap either.
 
Brosky said:
Dale, those aluminum trim covers are a pain. No sooner do you get one on and it scratches, no matter how careful you are with the top. Especially up here where it gets cold and the top shrinks and is hard to pull down tightly. If I remember, they are not cheap either.

<span style="color: #990000">I totally agree with you paul. They look like a PITA to remove and install new ones. Pricey as well. I can do a makeover on the aluminum. I'll order the gaskets Shawn suggested and I'll be happy for a dry ride.

Thanks for the input.

best regards,

dale </span>
 
Dale,

Quite often it is not the condition of the weather seal strip but rather a worn catch plate in the windshield frame or locking pin on the convertible top frame. If either is worn (like mine)the top frame will not be properly drawn down tight to the windshield allowing the seal to perform properly.

This is an upcoming project for me, to remove the aluminum trim strip and replace the catch plates.

Good Luck.
 
GreenOne said:
Dale,

Quite often it is not the condition of the weather seal strip but rather a worn catch plate in the windshield frame or locking pin on the convertible top frame. If either is worn (like mine)the top frame will not be properly drawn down tight to the windshield allowing the seal to perform properly.

:iagree: but the photo of Dale's seal looks pretty bad. If the locking pins were loose I think Dale would have mentioned that.

Dale, if the seal channel is in good you can leave it in place. Removing and installing a new seal in that location is loads of fun though. Slow and steady will get you there, they rarely slide in and out with ease.
 
swift6 said:
GreenOne said:
Dale,

Quite often it is not the condition of the weather seal strip but rather a worn catch plate in the windshield frame or locking pin on the convertible top frame. If either is worn (like mine)the top frame will not be properly drawn down tight to the windshield allowing the seal to perform properly.

:iagree: but the photo of Dale's seal looks pretty bad. If the locking pins were loose I think Dale would have mentioned that.

Dale, if the seal channel is in good you can leave it in place. Removing and installing a new seal in that location is loads of fun though. Slow and steady will get you there, they rarely slide in and out with ease.


<span style="color: #990000">I messed with it a little today during the monsoon. The locking
pins appear to function just fine. The aluminum piece on the windshield top is
not distorted and in much better condition than the photo shows. The weather strip
seal on the leading edge of the top is very flattened in several places. I think
it's worn out.

I removed about 12" of the seal to inspect the seal channel. Good condition
but I can already hear the cussing that will be required to install the seal
in that itty bitty channel.

I guess I need to start a parts list for Tony but wow, I've already got
seven complete spare ignition systems, spare this and spare that.
I'll to dig deep to find some things I need spares of. Ah!! radiator
cap!! I've only got one spare. LOL

Thanks for the advice,

dale</span>
 
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