58 conv top weatherstrip

[Howard H.]

Does anyone make the correct top front weatherstrip for a 58 conv top frame? My frame has the two piece front side rails with two phillips head bolts that allows for adjustment. The one bolt head is in line with where the weatherstrip should go and won't allow it to rest on the frame. My weatherstrip must be 56-62 replacement. Is there a modification I can make to the weatherstrip and retainer to allow it to work with my frame? Thanks;
Howard Hiller 46797

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Howard, No the 56-58 3 piece header w/strip is unavailable.

1957 shown
p4100068_962ac5f71d460f9d53a919bb709dea3b21e2c08f.jpg

p4100069_086e4ec86490c35e5988812e659b210659c9e10c.jpg
Later header weatherstrip, as what is sold in reproduction now, was originally GM part# 3762521. Note that in the Parts Books, it states that when using this part on earlier years, use separate sideglass weatherstrips and retainers, and a note that it may be necessary to relocate new holes in the header weatherstrip and header retainers.

You'll have to notch out the rubber to fit over the big screw. Yours must be older repro pieces or NOS. Present Repros are notched.

This is what you can do to make them work...
Drill new holes in the retainers and punch new holes in the rubber at #2. This will still allow the fore/aft adjustment to the header when setting the frame and top material.

softtop_56_58_sideframe_ws1_518b05399a0c402a575be1e129e2dcc7964bb0eb.jpg

reprowstrips_67cac18a208dca75061fad303711aa5b02fc276d.jpg

Remove that rearward big Phillips screw & nut in the horizontal (where #2 is) and after locating new holes in rubber and retainer that line up with the hole, replace it with a small screw and T-nut.

Rich

[Howard H.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Thanks a lot Rich;
That makes sense. My weatherstrip is notched tor the front phillips screw. My frame is like yours shown here and I will remove and replace the other big screw with a screw and retainer like the other screws and t-nut.
Howard

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Howard, Ok, good. Do you also still have the old original 58 rubber with the integrated studs?

Rich

[Howard H.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Unfortunately, no.
Howard

[Howard H.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Another question for Rich;
I am working on the header weatherstrip and retainer to install it on the header bar. I ordered new weatherstrip, 2 piece retainer and mounting screws and have it on the header but my header bow end caps do not have the tab to mount the rubber with the screw supplied with the screw kit. Am trying to figure out proceed. Should I leave it loose and glue it in place once I have the top canvas on?
Howard

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Another question for Rich;
I am working on the header weatherstrip and retainer to install it on the header bar. I ordered new weatherstrip, 2 piece retainer and mounting screws and have it on the header but my header bow end caps do not have the tab to mount the rubber with the screw supplied with the screw kit. Am trying to figure out proceed. Should I leave it loose and glue it in place once I have the top canvas on?
Howard

Howard, Please post a few photos of your endcaps so I can see what you have. The rubber ends may not hold up over time with just glue.

Rich

[Howard H.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

OK will try. I think they are original for 58. Look like regular end caps but without the tab of flattened area where the screw goes.
Howard

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Howard, Ok I understand what you have now. Since '58 was integral one piece header & sides, there was no separate retainer. It was molded in and the ends attached to T-nuts in the tack strip.

Later 59-62 had the endcaps with the hole for the end screws. Like this...
541185r_541185r-1.main.jpg

You could use the later reproduction caps or used ones. I would recommend this, albeit costly. Over $200/pair new.

Your other option: add the tabs to yours. It might work. Pop rivet a small piece of shaped sheet metal to yours and drill for the attaching screws. Or even JB Weld the new metal tabs to the underside lip of the caps.

This way the rubber would get properly held without getting loose over time if the glue pulled away.

You could glue them after vinyl, but may curse later when they pop off. I'd do it right if mine.

Rich

[Howard H.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Rich
took your advice and bought a pair like you suggested. I have been studying your convertible top documents and am about ready to install the top back on the car and start getting it adjusted properly. I really appreciate your help and expertise on these old cars. I am going to take my time and try to do it right, following your recommendations.
Howard

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 conv top weatherstrip

Howard, Good that you'll have the correct parts now to match the upgraded weatherstrip. They certainly are proud of them though.

Rich