hard top to body seal

[jerry]

I picked up the appropriate seals and mounting pins, and started installing the side hard top seals on my '70, working from the back to the front.
(FWIW: Seals from LMC, pins from WH)

I noticed that turning the corner at the back the fit is very poor and bulges out almost 1/2" from the side at that corner. Clearly some trimming at the ends is common, but is it unusual to have to punch new holes for the pins in order to line it up?

I'm wondering if I shouldn't just use some weatherstrip adhesive in the back to make sure this stays where I want it...

Thanks in advance,

Jerry

 

[Steve83]

Remember that the fit & finish on these trucks was never intended to be like they are today. Yes, I'm a big fan of RightStuff as a sealant & adhesive.

(phone app link)

 

[jerry]

Remember that the fit & finish on these trucks was never intended to be like they are today. Yes, I'm a big fan of RightStuff as a sealant & adhesive.

(phone app link)

That's a great point, Steve. I kind of came to the same conclusion that the pins may or may not line everything up, and if not then sealant to hold it in place is just fine.

Speaking of sealant - do I need to use this on the windshield to top seal, or is the compression going to be adequate? Also, am I missing a piece on my '70 or is this it and I just needed to compress the seal to close the gap between the seal and the upper door weatherstrip (see pic).

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[Steve83]

I guess it'll depend on what happens when you compress it, and how "sealed" you want/need the truck to be. Frank's was sealed almost as well as a '90s vehicle, but it was his DD for commute to work in a suit, so it had to be. Not just against rain, but to keep the HVAC inside. It'll also depend on whether you intend to ever take the top off, and whether you accept that doing so might cost you some new seals or more sealant when you put it back on.

If there IS a gap when the w/s-to-top seal compresses, and you DON'T want a leak even that small, and you DON'T want to risk gluing the 2 seals together, you could probably Armor-All or Silicone Grease/Spray or Talcum Powder one of them to keep the RightStuff from adhering to both as it dries.

 

[jerry]

I guess it'll depend on what happens when you compress it, and how "sealed" you want/need the truck to be.

Good observation and I finally looked at those pics which had some good visual clues for me - thanks for sharing.

I would opt for "more" sealing at this point, so I think I'll look into using something at the ends / edges to help seal things up.

So my question which may be rhetorical - was this setup "water tight" from the factory, or the first time through a car wash you found out Ford should have doubled their budget on weatherstrip engineering? haha

 

[Bitch'nBronco]

Where can I buy those little white clips? I've been installing mine without them for years and they look like they'd make the job way easier

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[jerry]

Where can I buy those little white clips? I've been installing mine without them for years and they look like they'd make the job way easier

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https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Lower-Door-Seal-Clip-Set-66-77/Early_Bronco_Weather_Stripping

 

[Bitch'nBronco]

Thanks!

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[Steve83]

...was this setup "water tight" from the factory...?

I can't answer that - I was <3y.o. when yours was built, and never rode in or knew anyone who had a new eB.

 

[jerry]

I can't answer that - I was <3y.o. when yours was built, and never rode in or knew anyone who had a new eB.

Lol I'm in the same boat as you. I was less than a year old when mine rolled out of the factory.

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