Hardtop to Body seal

[450sl]

At this moment i am restoring my hardtop , nearly finished and looking to install the lower Seal.

This Seal seems a bit long ; a both sides there is about 1/2 Inch surplus.  Is this right ? 

Thanks
Mark

[tel76]

I found the same problem, to get over  this I cut a section out in the middle and re-glued (superglue) the pieces together this ensured both ends fitted correctly.

[450sl]

Hi Eric , thanks for your reply.

I am a bit anxious to cut the seal in the middle : is there a reason why You didn't cut both ends a bit ?

thanks Mark

[tel76]

To cut it in the middle and remove the excess from there seemed the most logical solution, one cut, one glued joint (in an area you cannot see) and you retain the original formed ends (the part of the seal that goes under the retaining tabs).

[450sl]

Thanks Eric


Someone else sharing his thoughts about cutting the ends or in the middle ?

[Tyler S]

Could you fold the ends up and sandwich them underneath the chrome strip? Would keep a bare end from just hanging out in the breeze.

[450sl]

Seems one supplier of seals (sold as Oem) sells seals good quality , but a bit long.


For your information this is how i did it:

first picture measuring test with tape.
second picture  4 mm  seal protruding paint on body, compressing the seal a bit  then superglued. 

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

It might be temperature related (consider coefficient of expansion). Before cutting ad re-gluing the seal I would cool it down and try to fit it again. If this does not bring favorable results I would start fitting it in the center working to both sides and pushing it slightly toward the center section to eliminate the 1/2" overhang.

Only as a last resort would I cut and glue the seal.

Good luck, let us know how you make out.

Dieter