Sunroof seal replacement any tips before I begin.

[keyla]

On my 1986 911 I will be replacing the front and rear sunroof seals.Does anyone have any tips before I begin the project?Much appreciated.

[mlfox]

I just yesterday did the front seal. It was not difficult. I recommend that you make certain that all old adhesives are removed before placing the new seal. I used 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive (yellow) and it worked well. Follow the directions on the box and be careful not to get the adhesive on the outer surfaces of the seal as it is difficult to remove once it is set. An extra set of hands would be helpful when putting the front seal in place. Good luck, and enjoy the results!

Regards,
mlfox

[keyla]

Thanks mlfox.Have used the yellow product before,and know it can get everywhere easily.How about the rear seal anyone?

[billybek]

Very good thread here!
Sunroof cable repair and new seals 87 911
Some good pictures..
My seals are functional but look like crap (PO aggressive power polishing). Will try to replace next winter...
Hope it goes well.

[w21055]

I did both on mine a few weeks ago. Just make sure to mark the rear where you want it to sit and glue away. Was actually very easy.

[Paulporsche]

Make sure you push the seals tight into the corners.

[mlfox]

Originally Posted by billybek

Very good thread here!
Sunroof cable repair and new seals 87 911
Some good pictures..
My seals are functional but look like crap (PO aggressive power polishing).

The rear sunroof seal on mine was wax-dulled but functional. I tried Mother's Back to Black, but it did not work as well as I'd hoped. I touched it up with a black Sharpie marker, and now it matches the new front seal perfectly.

Regards,
mlfox

[billybek]

Thanks mlfox, I will try that!

[john walker's workshop]

yellow 3M weatherstrip adhesive shows too much. the black is better. be sure to observe how the two seals overlap each other at the rear sides of the hole when the roof is closed. they don't butt.

[BGCarrera32]

I have done mine twice (yes I like the abuse), what I would do is mark both the sunroof and the top of the car on both sides of the sunroof where the front seal meets the rear seal. You can either use masking tape, or a marker that will wipe off the paint easily. That way when you trim the length of the rear seal on the panel with it out of the car (after you glued it on) you know exactly where the front seal ends. You don't want a 1/8" gap or something stupid when you put it all back together (ask me how I know). When I've done my front seal I start in the middle, working my way around to the corners and sides. No need to glue it all at once, work in 1' sections. Make sure the top of the felt sits relatively flat to the roofline, our you'll have seal sticking up that looks screwy and snags towels every time you wash the car. Same with the rear seal...I found in order to get it to sit at the correct height, I actually have to trim it down so it seats properly.

Also, use the black 3M Weatherstrip adhesive which blends into the seal much better than the yellow.

Just in case your previous owner mucked it up like they did mine, the front seal bonds to the car, and the rear seal to the panel itself. Quite possibly the screwiest arrangement I've ever seen...

[BGCarrera32]

JWW beat me to the punch on the adhesive. And he is correct, the seals do not butt together but they are trimmed at an angle and sort of slide into each other.