Sunroof seal R&R

[kilodawg]

I just completed this project today. I reviewed the steps in 101 projects and did some reading up here. I thought I'd add a few things that I hadn't read which worked for me.

1. Take pictures of the the slider mechanism attachment points before you remove the roof it helps to get the re-installation right for the rear points.

2. Use painters tape to mark where the front and back seals end. Noting the overlap.



3. To remove the old adhesive I used Goof it works well, doesn't remove the paint and softens up the original adhesive pretty easlily

3. I bought both the 3M black adhesive as well as the yellow stuff in the spray can. I was originally going to use the spray with a brush but I opted to use the black and apply it right from the end of the tube, no brush or other applicator was used. While the stuff is stringy I came up with a way to minimize any mess.

4. Here was the key for me. I fitted the seals in place and taped them with painters tape every several inches. This allowed me to locate the seals perfectly and observe the height before I applied the adhesive.

5. Working in several inch sections I began the glue process. I re-taped the seal sections after gluing to ensure they held in place. Using this approach I worked around the front seal in about 15 minutes with just a few minor pauses for clean-up as I went. It was very easy and not at all messy. All it took was working in small sections.

6. To get the edges to meet properly angle the the last inch or so of each seal end downwards as others have stated using the tape marks as a guide.

6. the reinstallation was easy thanks to the photos




Hope this writeup helps.

[sportline]

Thanks for the pics showing the overlap. When I redid mine, they were butt jointed and I replaced them in the same manner - oh well, nex time will redo it properly. Since other seals leak it does not go out in the rain anyway, and I have to be careful washing it so there should be no leaks - at least for now.

[RSBob]

Nice job. Thanks for posting.

[OSI930]

Thanks for the write up. Great pictures.

[artisticent]

Hey dawg,

I just removed the felt seal before my car was painted but I left in the sunroof itself. Should I remove the sunroof or do you think I could leave it in?? Is the seal a 2 piece part?
Thanks
Nathan

[kilodawg]

If you do the complete seal R&R there are three pieces. One is a rubber seal that is not visible when you are done that helps to channel water I believe. Of the two felt seals, the front one that attaches to the body could be replaced with the roof panel in the car and retracted no problem but the rear seal mates to the roof itself and to do it you need to pull the roof.

However, removing the panel is a piece of cake. Four bolts, slide out a couple of metal plates and pop it out less than 5 minutes. No reason to cut corners on this easy a project.

[Eric-325I]

Thanks much for the write up and pics. I'll be dong this sooner or later this winter.

Any tips as to why my sunroof sags at the passenger rear corner? That's the other reason I'll be digging into this project.

Thanks!

Eric

[ned903]

Eric,
When you get the roof disassembled you will find that there are adjustments at each corner.

[Eric-325I]

Thanks Ned...