Replacing targa rear window seal

[Quickstep192]

Replacing the rear window seal in my 73 targa looks pretty straight forward,,, except - that the new seal was rolled up in the package and has some mild kinks. Should I do something to straighten it before installing it? I was thinking of soaking it in hot water, but I definitely want to be careful not to ruin it. Any guidance from someone who has done this?

[Jack Stands]

There are some threads on replacing the rear Targa window, and they seem to make it sound tougher than the windshield install due to the different directions the seal must take. I imagine that fitting it onto the window and letting it sit in that position would help with some of the creases.

[mcaterino]

Humongous pain in the rear! Have help and prepare for a fun couple hours. Creases or no, getting the seal to stay on the window is difficult. It doesn't sit on there with much tension because of the shape of the window, so it wants to fall off. Hot water on the seal would be fine, I think, but won't make that much difference. You'll need to get it wet and soapy anyway.

Below is a picture of mine, almost ready to install. Me and two other people got it to this point, with all hands on deck at several points. We had used soapy water to get the seal on all the way around, taping as we went (yes, trying to get the tape to stay on with everything wet and soapy was fun too).

Then we inserted rope all the way around (untaping and retaping as we went), again needing copious soapy water to get it in all the way. Many recommend going around twice in case the first pull misses some spots. We didn't have that problem.

Then we inserted the aluminum trim (only one on in this picture). Have to do this before install.

Then set the whole assembly in place, pushing it hard against the flanges on the body. Then tape could be removed.

Applying strong pressure to the outside of the window is critical as you pull the rope from the inside to pull the inner edge of the seal over the body flange. They say the targa windows are nearly unbreakable so have your assistants push hard. This part was relatively easy, compared to the headaches of just getting the seal, trim, and rope in place and ready.



Good luck!
Mike

[techweenie]

If you don't have a bunch of strong assistants available, I've seen people use a wide fabric cargo strap with come-along, fastened to a thick piece of plywood under the rear wheels. Attachment points for the strap are perpendicular to the slope of the window, so you may need to brace the forward part of your plywood to the floor of the car. You have to crank the strap down hard to get both planes of seals within reach of the window flanges. Not a job for the faint of heart.

[RSTarga]

This is not a job for the first timer!

[Quickstep192]

Not that hard to replace seal, I meant this (should be) easy to replace seal (see pic). Note that it's torn-

It looks like it should be easy, but the new seal is all squiggly from being in the package. I'm hoping to get tips on how to straighten it before installing.

Here's the pic:

[universeman]

That's beading. Just slap it on and cut it to length. The sun will take care of the rest. Cut it on 45 angles at the ends and maybe leave it long in case the kinks cause it to shorten (or something.) 10 min job, don't overthink it.

[universeman]

PS there's a metal insert that you can bend/form by hand to straighten those kinks.

[ScottT80]

My beading needs replaced and I'm wondering if the whole seal doesn't need it.

Thanks for the tips Mike... I'll be sure to keep you in mind when the time cones to do mine!

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by RSTarga

This is not a job for the first timer!

Have to start somewhere

[Flat6pac]

If you like worms, good, you'll have a whole can....
Bruce