Formal Roof Rail Seals

[1978 NYB]

All Formal owners know (or should know) that the roof rail seals are another item that is not available anywhere on the planet. I know where a NOS set is in Florida.... but they are not available. I did find a set a few years ago from a car that was parted out. They are not anywhere near NOS quality but A LOT better than the ones currently on the NYB.

My question is what can I do or apply to the roof rail seals to rejuvenate the rubber and preserve it?

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I always use hand cleaner to clean hoses, wiring, and weather stripping of dirt and gunk. I don't know if it preserves rubber/foam but no harsh chemicals to further destroy it. Not the stuff with pumice BTW.

 

[1978 NYB]

The Formal roof rail seals dry out and become very brittle. That may help it. Thanks!

 

[Mr C]

Restoration Specialties has what's needed to restore a Formal's weatherstripping using GM extrusions. My friend Kip Gardiner (who owns possibly the finest/ Bad *** 78 NYB Salon on the planet) has done all the homework in his "how to" here...part numbers are in the text below the pics:

The Vertical Seal

 

[1978 NYB]

Thanks Mr. C!

 

[commando1]

A couple of years ago, Dave at Restoration Specialties used my roof rail seals to have extrusion dies and corner moldings tooled up.
The dies and moldings were made. No one has lit a fire cracker under his *** to get them into production yet.

Ironically, Steele recently came out with 4 door sedan seals for Formals but not hardtops which probably outnumber sedans 25 to 1.

 

[1978 NYB]

Virtually nothing is made for Formal's except the air cleaner wing nut.

I was surprised that SMS Autofabrics make a vinyl top for Formal's. I don't have it yet and hoping it's correct when I receive it.

Vinyl Tops - SMS Auto Fabrics

 

[commando1]

Virtually nothing is made for Formal's except the air cleaner wing nut.

I was surprised that SMS Autofabrics make a vinyl top for Formal's. I don't have it yet and hoping it's correct when I receive it.

Vinyl Tops - SMS Auto Fabrics

It's probably because the grain pattern for Formals was also used in B or E bodies.

 

[1978 NYB]

I've been in extensive communique with them to make sure it's going to made properly. I can only hope it's correct when I get it. FYI ....$505 and you can get one for your NYB. LOL!

 

[commando1]

I've been in extensive communique with them to make sure it's going to made properly. I can only hope it's correct when I get it. FYI ....$505 and you can get one for your NYB. LOL!

I dyed mine. I think it looks great.

 

[1978 NYB]

Yes it does!