So I got a weatherstripping kit and the rear bow is shorter than the new weatherstrip piece that has these "smooshed" ends with a screw hole metal tab mount. If I center the weatherstrip on the rear bow top hold down pin and run the weatherstripping along the bow, it comes out way long (thought that gap needs to be filled) and I have nowhere to mount the ends of the strip to.

 

Before I removed my rear bow seal the ends extended past the bow.

 

I will look at my 89 when I get access to it(couple days, maybe).

 

The ends need to touch the B pillar/frame or whatever its called.There should be a little L shaped bracket on the seal ends.The bracket screws to the B-pillar frame. FWIW that design lacks a bit to desire.

 

84 1LE has it right. The design is poor but it is what it is. I cut mine down and used the "metal tabs" at the ends by making a new hole in the gasket end at the cut and putting a new screw into the threaded hole in the frame piece. Has held up for years like that.

 

What brand is the weatherstrip in question?

 

It's Metro. And yes, I found where the tabs go! It does seem lanky but I see where it hooks up.

 

This post got me thinking, a tiny hinge would work much better, since it will allow the bow end to rotate with the hinge.Well, i couldnt find one small enough.So i got these home depot specials instead, in the center OEM bracket.The small cables were my first attempt at making a functional part, but the cables are too rigid.Not giving up on that one yet, but if anyone knows where to find hinges about the size of the bracket, post up.

Had to modify it.

Fully open, no more bending/twisting.

Down/closed.

Improved alignment/contact.

 

Yes, it's a very poor design. I have gone through 2 seals in the past 3 years. No matter how careful I am sooner or later the metals tabs just rip out of the rubber. I am actually designing and prototyping a set of bow extensions that would fasten to the bottom bow and allow the gasket to be fastened to the extension... see attachment for my 3D printed prototype.

 

Any updates on this? Thanks.

 

Same issue here. Man, this is frustrating.
I'm curious, how does the rear bow seal attach on other brand convertibles?
I'll have to start looking close at car shows and parking lots.

 

What do you all think about an end cap that slides over the weather stripping?
The end cap would have a tab to mount it to the pillar with the screw.
The end cap would not wrap around the bottom of the weather stripping so it can still seal to the tonneau.
The cap would attach to the weather stripping with 3m black weather stripping adhesive on all sides except the bottom.
Should be able to 3D print one.

 

That seems like a very good fix to me.

 

After looking closer at this weather stripping end. It is more of an odd shaped triangle. So a "cap" could only go on 2 sides. Not really a cap at that point
You guys having any luck with your test parts?