fixing 1988 Cab window seal with fabric

[emac911]

Has anyone removed these two rubber seals and had the fabric recovered over the rubber? My rubber is in excellent condition, but the fabric has deteriorated/discolored. I read that the vertical seal has mounting screws to hold it in.

Thanks.

[GeorgeK]

I used fabric from an outside awning, works for 10 years on now.
The rear one has 3 bolts to hold and adjust.

[emac911]

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

I used fabric from an outside awning, works for 10 years on now.
The rear one has 3 bolts to hold and adjust.

Thanks, how did you remove the top one?

[isby]

I’m actually in the middle of this project right now! One seal down and one to go. I’m using Sunbrella SeaMark 2095-0063 Waterproof Canvas Black Fabric By The Yard from Amazon. It actually matches my top material perfectly. I’m gluing it with DAP Landau Top & Trim HHR Solvent Type Spray Contact Adhesive. In certain areas I’m also using a glue gun for a little extra security. It’s tricky getting the right pattern because the seals are oddly shaped, but I’m using the trial and error technique. Just takes some patience and a good scissor. I’m happy with the finished product.

[emac911]

Thanks, did you remove the seals or work with them on the car?

[isby]

Removed them. On my ‘84, they were just glued in. I’ll post a photo of what the car looks like with the seal removed.

[emac911]

Thanks! I just cant justify buying new ones. Crazy expensive.

[isby]

With seal removed:

[isby]

I’m with you. I refuse to pay the Porsche tax for these.

[emac911]

I went and pulled the seals off the car.

Vertical seal has four 8mm that are removed by getting into the rear seat. The seal has sealant holding it in place. so you will have to gently pry it off being careful at the top not to tear the rubber. You have to open the top some to remove it.

The horizontal seal. Open the top, remove the rubber cover to expose for phillips screws. Remove them and gently pry the aluminum off. Mine had lots of sealant that was very strong and hard to remove. Here are some pictures.

Nuts on vertical piece



Removing



horizontal seal



I ordered some of the sunbrella material.

What is the easiest way to remove the old fabric or did you glue the new over it?

[isby]

Here’s the finished product:



Probably not the most fun project I’ve done on the car, but it will make a big improvement.

[Funracer]

Search for “Convertible Window Rubber” thread Jan 2020. I would post a link but don’t know how to do it.

[isby]

Sorry - didn’t see your question. I tried a number of products to get the remnants of the old fabric off — goo gone, denatured alcohol, mineral spirits, etc. Nothing really worked that well. The thing that probably worked best was soaking it in goo gone and then going over it with a red scotchbrite pad. But there were some bits of the backing from the old fabric that were never coming off. At the end of the day, I called it good and went over it with the new fabric after cleaning with Dawn dish soap and then denatured alcohol.

[emac911]

Originally Posted by isby

Here’s the finished product:



Probably not the most fun project I’ve done on the car, but it will make a big improvement.

Looks good!

[john walker's workshop]

Bowdrill cloth.

[emac911]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Bowdrill cloth.

I see its made with a self adhesive from Steele rubber products. I may order some of that too and decide which will work better. Thanks John.

[emac911]

I have ordered the Sunbrella, Steele self adhesive and Haartz bowdrill material to see which one looks closest to OEM. I will post up which one i think will work best.

[emac911]

Thought I would post up what I ended up doing to fix my seals. I took john walker's advice and found some Haartz cotton bowdrill material that seems to be an exact match.

I removed all the old material, which was a real pain. Mine was really stuck on. I tried to cover over the old material but it was too bumpy and the material is very thin and unforgiving. Happy with how it turned out, especially seeing that new is close to 2k!

I have a lot of material leftover if anyone wants some, just let me know.

[group911@aol.co]

My upholstery guys tell me it called Duck Cotton Canvas.
https://fabricwholesaledirect.com/products/10-oz-cotton-duck-canvas-fabric?variant=39460484382835&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxGQyckffuEx-uoX2EaCTcCv5YDrbxHx925PjD7341Kjf7PkD3McRohoCOxoQAv D_BwE

[emac911]

Originally Posted by group911@aol.co

My upholstery guys tell me it called Duck Cotton Canvas.
https://fabricwholesaledirect.com/products/10-oz-cotton-duck-canvas-fabric?variant=39460484382835&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxGQyckffuEx-uoX2EaCTcCv5YDrbxHx925PjD7341Kjf7PkD3McRohoCOxoQAv D_BwE

IDK, I just know that Haartz is a big supplier for the auto industry, so I went with that.

https://www.perfectfit.com/product/Bow-Drill#