Put new weatherstrip on targa today
 

Thats right and it went pretty smooth too. I took a few pics to help. The job was relatively small but still had its headaches. I replaced the stripping on each side of the top in about 2 hours total. I then spent another 35 to 40 minutes putting black silicone on the cracks and crevaces. I figure why not really seal it right while I'm at it right? Plus a little more finished look and better that that... the peace of mind.

1. Here is the top, inside, on the living room floor with a blanket folded and placed underneathto prevent scratching the top. (put it upside-down);)
[IMG]local://upfiles/6540/C95EDB13554642C78D58F877DF417BD2.jpg[/IMG]
2. I removed the screws in the corner and in the small gap through the rubberfirst with a star-bit. These were the only visible screws so they will be easy to find.
[IMG]local://upfiles/6540/D91DF17ADBD8474FA25723718FEF0838.jpg[/IMG]
3. After removing the screws I used a small flat head screwdriver to statr prying the rubber from the metal frame. Be careful to get the lip of the rubber out and try not to stick yourself. This piece of plastic was inside the original factory rubber. Not included in the reproduction set I bought. Don't worry about ripping it out.[8D]
[IMG]local://upfiles/6540/8EB6B8320B314CE18F97FB14ECABA56C.jpg[/IMG]
4. Next I used a plastic and a metal putty knife to pry the weatherstip lip from the metal frame. It was a bit of a pain. I gruntted and ripped out plenty. Keep in mind the more you rip out.......the more you will have to scrape off with a screwdriver or something. My stripping was a bit melted to the screws holding the frame on. [>:]
[IMG]local://upfiles/6540/7921EE82954046E8A978156E04A6AC10.jpg[/IMG]
5. There is another plastic piece on the other side. Don't worry about it either.
[IMG]local://upfiles/6540/61B70B68C11843AD883FE65BFEEE32FE.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Put new weatherstrip on targa today
 

Continued...
6. After pulling off the last bits of the old crap make sure that the channel is free and clear of any debris. I used a small flat head screwdriver and a piecs of an oldwire clothes hanger to get into the channel. Next rub the new rubber with sandpaper where the adhesive will be applied. Put a small 1/8" line of 3M super weatherstrip advesive on the places to be glued and all the way down the length if you choose. Wait about 30 seconds and then push the new piece into the metal frame. Use a putty knife to workthe lip into the frame's channel. Mine kinda snapped right in.Work it on top and bottom all the way into the channel until it is in thir nice and snug. Its easy to tell if you got it right.
[IMG]local://upfiles/6540/CCFBC3750393449596C38402D6D2F7BA.jpg[/IMG]
7.Put the two screws back into place. The holes should line up real close. Then try the other side.
[IMG]local://upfiles/6540/FD690008907044018EDA591DFAE7D1B1.jpg[/IMG]
8. A wire clothes hanger works well to get the old stripping out of the channel.
[IMG]local://upfiles/6540/AB49BD2BF9C441F88481A1DB3F2E916C.jpg[/IMG]
(thanks to CWB this important step is now included.)
DRY FIT THE NEW PIECES FIRST! This is very important to make sure the piece will fit snug. I can't stress this enough. DRY FITALL NEW WEATHERSTRIP PIECES FIRST!
[sm=oopssign.gif]Please remember the way the old stuff came off so the new stuff will go on the right way. Next I'm gonnado the "B" pillar after I change my brake pads tomorrow. Hope this helps the next leaky vette. - ZR1clone I LOVE THIS SITE[sm=loveeyes.gif][sm=signs003.gif]

RE: Put new weatherstrip on targa today
 

Hay Clone thanks for sharing how to dotarga weather stripping it will be some help to others. Your brakes should go very quick for you.
Thanks again
Ric

RE: Put new weatherstrip on targa today
 

Good work! Did ya' have to do a dry fit first?

When ya' do the brakes, make sure to have that piece of coat hanger handy. Don't let the caliper hang by the hose!!!

RE: Put new weatherstrip on targa today
 

Oops I forgot to put that in there!! Thanks CWB!! PUT THE NEW PEICE ON DRY FIRST TO MAKE SURE YOU GET A SNUG FIT!! I went back and included that important step. Thanks, ZR1clone


Oh, thanks for the tip about the brakes too, CWB. I'll be doing it with a friend that is experienced in the trade but not in Vettes. I'll be sure to remember not to let the caliper rest on the hose. Thanks for the proof read.;)

RE: Put new weatherstrip on targa today
 

Thanks, RIC. Hope I can give back a little to the forum... you know what I mean?:)

RE: Put new weatherstrip on targa today
 

Yeah, good job with the thumbnail pics. This will help me.

Maybe this godd be put together on the Sticky?