The black center panel above the t-bar is rusting pretty bad obviously due to the t-tops leaking. I will be buying a non-rusty one off of eBay and replacing mine. I see that it has 10 screws and I see that the weatherstripping sits inside the panel's grooves and lips. Is there any caulking or sealant underneath the panel? So my quesiton is, what steps should I take in replacing this panel?

 

Drill out the screws if they won't come out (most won't). Gently pry up the panel. There are some rubbery pads underneath. Either find some replacements, or use sealant. Be careful not to tear weatherstripping in the process.

MILT

 

if i were you, i'd lay some black silicone crap (the stuff you use to tack on weatherstripping) down wherever rubber meets metal. it's $5 a tube or so... you'll thank yourself later