t-top weatherstrip advice

[Sensei]

I am a do it yourselfer and need some advice on putting new weatherstripping on my t-tops. I know to get the good stuff (soft), and I have a pair of broken tops to practice removing the old weatherstripping on. Any instructions, advice, or tips on removing the old and installing the new weatherstripping would be appreciated. God bless

 

[mikejpss]

Simple job

It's a piece of cake, just jump off into it. Be sure to lay down a clean cloth to set the top on so that you dont scratch the top. Begin removing the screws from the old stripping on the one side, pull the stripping away from the remaining 3 sides. Remove all old stripping/glue then go back with the new strip.There's an art to applying the new stripping glue,which is,apply a small amount under the new strip, pulling the strip away and re-touching the glue (keep repeating) until the gluw starts to get tacky, then firmly hold in place for a few minutes for it to gel/adhere.
Your new stripping should have the correct number of "pins" already attached that will line up with the corresponding holes in the top.Just push them into the corresponding holes.
You'll be amazed at how easy this job is. Did both my tops in about 2 hours time with several beer breaks thrown in.
Good luck.

 

[Sensei]

I am actually having trouble getting the old stuff off. It is comming off in chunks and the old glue seems to be holding on to the last bit of material with great tenacity. I have tried using acetone and laquer thinner, both to no avail. Any suggestions? Thanks...

 

[mikejpss]

I am told there is a "weatherstrip glue remover" that can be bought, or at least it seems I've seen it advertised somewhere before.

Mine was not as hard to remove, like you I used paint thinner but for the most part it peeled off without any solvent. It took lots of elbow grease.
good luck