T Top Rubber Seal

[The Big Guy]

99 6MM Coupe two tops original owner, 123,000 miles. Upon exchanging the clear top to the solid top,( only done twice a year ), the corners on the fixed seals on the body are torn. I've glued them twice but as tenderly as I have tried to save them, they continually become retorn.
Any others having the same problem or is it only me ? If any one has a solution and/ or fix please let me know.
The Big Guy !

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

I replaced this weather strip on my 1999 C5 coupe last fall. It is easy to do.

The GM part number is 10329158 (the one that runs up the rear of the window glass and across the top of the rear targa bow - like an upside down "U" shape).

The weather strip was on "national back-order" for some time. It fits the 1997 - 2004 C5 coupe. The cost was about $220 - $250 (from memory...)

There is a "hidden" screw at the bottom of each side that must be removed, before the weather strip can be removed (at the rear of the window glass). There is also a screw on each side near where the top fits into the receiver. The new weatherstrip comes with adhesive applied, with "pull-off" plastic. Look at the new weather strip and you will see where the screws go. The top portion compress-fits into a stainless channel

I installed mine on a warm, sunny day, with the roof panel off.... I let the weatherstrip lay in the sun for a little while to make it more pliable. If you replace it - take your time, but it is easy. The factory service manual says to begin to install it on the top of the targa panel, and work your way down each side.

Good luck.

[The Big Guy]

Thank you white C5. Not cheap. Is there any difference in the new piece that may eliminate the tearing problem ? I'm wondering if it is worth the cost and time involved to replace it. Did your experience eliminate the possibility of additional tearing ? Further I did not realize that this operation was covered in the Service Manual.

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

Originally Posted by The Big Guy

Thank you white C5. Not cheap. Is there any difference in the new piece that may eliminate the tearing problem ? I'm wondering if it is worth the cost and time involved to replace it. Did your experience eliminate the possibility of additional tearing ? Further I did not realize that this operation was covered in the Service Manual.

I purchased my car new and also have both tops. I have ALWAYS been very careful when removing or installing the tops. I have also used silicone dielectric grease on all the weather strips to keep them pliable. Both edges tore and I had also tried to repair it using weatherstrip adhesive and black silicone.

My car had about 50,000 miles on it when I replaced the weather strip last fall. It does not take much time - probably 45 minutes from start to finish (and that is working slow and being very careful....).

I have the 3-set GM service manual. I has a good description with pictures on how to replace the weather strip. I have also replaced the driver side weatherstrip on my targa tops with a GM weather strip. That procedure is also easy and the part has been revised. I do not think the roof bow weatherstrip has been changed and the part may tear in the future. I think it helps to have two people install the top.

If you have a friend at any GM dealership - you should be able to buy the weather strip for about $170 - 180. I did a quick Google search on the part and some discount houses offer it. I always buy my parts from a close friend who works at a Chevrolet dealership.

Good luck - I hope this information was helpful.

[garllo]

Originally Posted by The Big Guy

99 6MM Coupe two tops original owner, 123,000 miles. Upon exchanging the clear top to the solid top,( only done twice a year ), the corners on the fixed seals on the body are torn. I've glued them twice but as tenderly as I have tried to save them, they continually become retorn.
Any others having the same problem or is it only me ? If any one has a solution and/ or fix please let me know.
The Big Guy !

I replaced the weatherstrip on my '98 coupe last year. It seems that the tearing in the corner is a common problem but I think that keeping the weatherstrip pliable and adding a little caution will go a long way toward longevity!

[Junkman]

I only paid $150 for mine.

[The Big Guy]

I, too like you purchased the 2 top option when I ordered the car. Further, I too have a good friend who is employed at a dealership who is helpful to my requirements. I, too use the die electric gel on the rubber gaskets and weather strips. I am an extremely careful person with all of my assets, but the tearing seems almost impossible to eliminate. I too, have the 3 unit GM 1999 Corvette Service Manual.
Thank you for your valueable input. Your expertice in writing explanations is absolutely thorough and quite remarkable.