Re-Use Hard Top Side Window Seal?

[DanWheeler]

Oops:

Has anyone had luck re-using a hard top window seal? They are $40 so if I can re-use the old one, I'd rather do that.

On a related note - has anyone made hinged, plexi-glass hard top windows? I found it was really convenient to reach in and grab things out of the back after I broke the rest of the window out.

I know there are slider windows available from some of the vendors but they are expensive and I'm likely to break a window again so I dont want to be forced to buy a whole new slider kit if/when I bust another window.

 

[Justafordguy]

If the ruber is still pliable and not cracking it should be fine.

 

[pcf_mark]

I am doing the same thing because I just painted my top. The OEM seals are the best if they are still squishy. Just use plenty of soapy water when installing the glass. I used a piece of 10 gage wire because the casing is nice an slippery when the soapy water hits it when I did my windshield which is the same design.

 

[Desert Dweller]

A mild bleach solution will soften the rubber if it doesn't seem soft enuff.

 

[garberz]

I've got some new ones from LMC that you can have. PM me your info, and I'll send them your way.

Mark

 

[DanWheeler]

thanks for the info, guys. I'll give it a shot.

garberz - thanks very much for the gracious offer. Let me check the one that I have and if its in rough shape, I'll PM you.

Dan

 

[xcntrk]

I don't know about hinged, but since the glass is straight I would think you could easily have a piece of plexi cut up to match. That's what they did on the ICON with architectural building glass. Then again they have a 7 figure R&D budget too...

 

[pcf_mark]

FYI - install the gasket on the glass first. Then put the wire or rope you are using to pull the gasket into place on the inside seal. In other words someone pushes from the outside and you pull the wire from the inside and this pulls te lip over the metal edge of the hardtop. It took me and my 8 yr old girl 15 minutes per side today using 44 yr old gaskets. I use electrical wire and soaped up the gasket and wire and in it went.

 

[DanWheeler]

Finally finished installing the window. pcf_mark, it's a good thing my 9 year old daughter didn't help me with this or she would have heard some new words.

Since I'm stubborn and impatient, I decided to try to do this by myself. It's safe to say that seal will not be making it another round of broken window.

but its IN! No more refreshing breeze in the Bronco

 

[DanWheeler]

Thanks for the help, guys.