Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: amarzano on November 20, 2024, 03:02:42 PM

Title: 76 Eldorado Convertible top weather strip
Post by: amarzano on November 20, 2024, 03:02:42 PM
I started to install the 5 pcs of new weatherstrip on the convertible top.

I have been mentally preparing to scrap all the old adhesive off the convertible top bow in preparation for gluing in the new rubber. To my surprise, the old rubber was NOT glued in. This brings me to my question: Should I glue the new rubber in or will the pins hold this in place?

Also, any source for the correct screws to mount the side strips?

Thank you!
Alex
 
Title: Re: 76 Eldorado Convertible top weather strip
Post by: Julien Abrahams on November 21, 2024, 10:58:42 AM
I have done the same thing on a '66 Eldorado recently. I had the same surprise. Because the new weather strip was so soft and because the holes are spaced pretty close together, I decided not to use glue. I installed the strip with the hard plastic pins that came already installed in the rubber strip. I ordered mine from Rubber the Right way.
I believe it will hold. When the top is closed, the rubber cannot go anywere because it is sandwiched between the first bow of the convertible top and the windshield frame. I also think that the windforces are not high enough the blow the rubber off when the top is down and the cover is not installed. 
Title: Re: 76 Eldorado Convertible top weather strip
Post by: amarzano on November 21, 2024, 12:09:58 PM
Julien

Thank you that helps. Just trying to hear what works and perhaps doesn't work before proceeding.

Quote from: Julien Abrahams on November 21, 2024, 10:58:42 AMI have done the same thing on a '66 Eldorado recently. I had the same surprise. Because the new weather strip was so soft and because the holes are spaced pretty close together, I decided not to use glue. I installed the strip with the hard plastic pins that came already installed in the rubber strip. I ordered mine from Rubber the Right way.
I believe it will hold. When the top is closed, the rubber cannot go anywere because it is sandwiched between the first bow of the convertible top and the windshield frame. I also think that the windforces are not high enough the blow the rubber off when the top is down and the cover is not installed. 
Title: Re: 76 Eldorado Convertible top weather strip
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on November 21, 2024, 12:17:15 PM
Indeed, it's similar to door's weatherstrips: some are glued to the body, more recent cars just have nylon pins inserted into the sheet metal. That way, the assembly at the line is much quicker than dealing with glue.
Title: Re: 76 Eldorado Convertible top weather strip
Post by: amarzano on November 21, 2024, 11:34:34 PM
Sounding like no issues with out the glue.

Let me give it a try or perhaps just a little glue on the end pieces.
Title: Re: 76 Eldorado Convertible top weather strip
Post by: Julien Abrahams on November 22, 2024, 06:08:31 AM
On the Eldorado, the weather strip had two ring ends that were molded to the weaher strip. Those attach with screws at the outer ends.
In the attached picture which I took from the internet. You can see the two eyes on each side. I don't know if the weather strip for your model is much different.