Sunroof weather stripping for 78 NYB and others.

73 T&C

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My weather strip for the sunroof is failing.... and just in time for a new top.

Those following along on my other thread already know I bought the rear window plug from an ‘75 Imperial being parted out in Wisconsin some months ago.

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Here’s the top of the seal. It extends to the bottom of the opening. It appears to be glued in over the vinyl top material.... which would make sense.

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Here you can see that the overall

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Ends are turned in under the top and do not extend much further than the opening. Maybe 1/2”.

Under the heading of “measure twice” I’ll be making this first one a bit longer

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Detail view of the other end.
 
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I was able to buy some self adhesive flocking on ebay in sufficient length and width to make several.

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I also found a weatherstrip at Home Depot that would work well under the flocking.

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Using aluminum tape folded over to mimic the metal backing of the original. (I will be re-using the original from the NYB when the time comes ... this is for the road runner today but the other will be done more or less the same)


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This is a pre-assembly test piece... for dimensions and method. The only trick here was to take the flocking up to the base of the rubber seal before covering it with the flocking.
 
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A week too late for me Javier sure coulda used your method and saved me the $200 I spent lol

You are a magician with these little details!
 
First and second step.

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Fold over the tape with the backing in place. Start the pull off of the backing and then pull it straight back as you put the two parts together. I made an extra foot or so to be able to correct any problems. Problem: you can’t strip out more than 4” or so before you need to bind the two faces together or it walks.

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Then attach the rubber to the folded edge.


Why did I do this backing you ask...

3 reasons

1) it allows for a bigger surface for the adhesive to grab.

2) it covers the whole face of the roof turn down edge.

3) it will look factory correct or perhaps a bit better without looking too... custom (i.e. conked together)


Now to cover it with self adhesive flocking.
 
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Nice solution! Is this the flocking you found on eBay?
Self Adhesive Velvet Flock Contact Paper Liner for Jewelry Drawer Craft Fabric x 646690331491 | eBay
The profile sample you created happens to be similar to the original edge seal gaskets on the 77-79 B-body T-tops. I've experimented with various gaskets for years on my Cordoba, but I believe your system could work well for the T-tops!
Yes. That is it. What I liked about it was that it is not cloth backed which would eventually rot. It is sticky as hell though.

I ended up peeling and folding over the backing to be able to get it on the backing up to the rubber first. This allowed me to the wrap the rubber seal without crushing it. I then carefully rolled it over the edge making sure it was snug on the rubber so as not to make a “bubble” of material along the future top of the seal.

Once done with that, I was able to fold and set it to the back.

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I put on a small tail (about an inch long and 3” in) to cover the end and provide for maximum area for the last glue blob.

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Will do once it’s installed but they all leak a little by design.... at least in a hard rain. That’s what the drains are for!
 
Look I’m happy my 2013 Focus’ sunroof doesn’t leak. 46 years of service has done this car well and it looks great, still! I think you’re on the right track, and you’ll have it right again. Hope you have the time, my “C” body was always the one thing I had no time for and paying someone else for every little thing soon adds up. Good luck, nice car!
 
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