Improving seal at windshield top

Anybody have any proven solution to improving the seal between the top and the top of the windshield? Blue tape is stylish and all, but I'd like a more permanent fix.

I think Jack used two layers of this stuff in the top header with some success.
http://speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=21713

~WB

I went to the "3rd top fastener" fix. It works fine for me!

If you are going to do two layers you may want to first put down a rectangular piece and then put down the D-shaped piece on top of that.

Tom, do you have a center latch or just the two L and R ?

Just the two L and R.

I bought Kirk's "newer" header rail and seal ( MUCH stronger than the old one ) and added a center latch...the same as the two end ones. Minor amount of grinding the rail for the center latch. It's weather tight and snug...no leaks!
Doug

This, is the bets fit when it comes to a third latch..it works !
Available from Vintage Speedsters.

Yeah, my Beck is different. The worst leaks are where the right and left latches are. I'm looking for a seal between the top and the front of the windshield.

I would think Carey would have a fix for this.

From a fairly new Beck owner...I dread the day that I will finally drive in the rain. I know it's going to happen sooner or later, but it hasn't yet.
Only guessing that will happen on my first trip to Carlisle with it.

Believe it or not, Rich, I've already taken short runs in the rain on purpose looking for leaks and what else to expect. Like seeing how long the wipers would run to see if they crap out and such. Better to do it that way than to get stuck with problems away from home on a run.

~WB

Gee, Bill. Does it really rain by you?

Yeah, we get a shower now and then. ;)

~WB

I'm thinking about running a bead of silicone caulk on the top where it will make contact with the front on the windshield and let it dry overnight. What do you think?

Black, of course.

Oh don't do it, try this.

If you are looking to seal things up go to Soft Seal and look thru there extrusions buy the foot. You may find something that works for this application.
http://www.soffseal.com/store/main.aspx?p=PictureListBody&c=UNEX
Without having it in my hands, I might think Pg. 4 item 2 or 6 might work?

Steve the other half of Angela

Great site Steve, thanks for sharing. Im constantly searching for the "right" extrusions. My car has become a daily driver. Thats the best selection ive seen.

McMaster-Carr part number 93085k14 self adhesive D seal I use it all the time for doors, trunk lid and the header bow .
609 689 3000

That D seal is just not the right choice all the time. There are better choices, just have to know where to look. Hope this site works for everyone. When I am restoring cars, I use this site quite a bit.

Steve the other half of Angela

OK. I didn't feel like ordering anything, so I cruised to local parts store and bought some rectangular cross-section 5/16 x 3/4 self-adhesive EPDM and applied it forward of the C seal that seals to the top of the window frame. It is flush against the front of the windshield frame. It looks great and should help keep water from being driven up and over the original seal. It was $8 and I had enough to run some at the back of each door jamb too.

FWIW, with regards to water management, in addition to this fix and improving the side curtains this summer, I also drilled 3 holes in the front tub. I figured that was easier to give it a way out than trying to get the front compartment sealed up tight and jerking around with the front latch adjustment.

One thing to check is the angle of the top header in relation to the windshield frame. There are two bolts at each end of the header where it attaches to the top frame. Loosen them and turn the header forward. While holding it, tighte the bolts on whichever side you are on. Then go over to the other side and make sure that the header is as far toward the front as possible while tightening the other set of bolts. The beast way to describe how it should be turned is that on the driver's side it should be rtated counter clockwise, while on the passenger side it is clockwise. that will ensure that it is in the correct relationship to the windshield. I have yet to figure out a good way to add a third latch, but I have used some open-cell foam (more compressible) to good effect. For long travel in rainy weather (like going to/from Carlisle) there's still nothing to beat the certainty of blue tape.

Thanks Lane. My fix looks factory and I think will work well. I'll still pack the tape for trips, but now, if I get caught out in the rain, it should be better.

Giday, Lane. Glad you people had a nice time at Asheville. Here's a bit more info on my "easy fix third latch" idea. It works plain and simple but does not look stock. I bought two new latches from IM and discovered there is no pracical way to attach them to the roof header bow short of removing the canvas at the front and moulding on more fiberglass into a lip of sorts to do a factory type latch mount. Take a look at these three pics. Blurry I know...The first one shows the type of latch that came with the car. The bow is quite small in profile compared to some I've seen on newer machines. The second photo shows my "quick fix clip" beside a $20 bill. The third blurry photo shows the clip installed. To install, one hand grabs the bow and pulls it down into position between your thumb and fingers and the other hand snaps the clip around/over the bow and then down to catch the chrome windshield trim piece that goes into the bow. The clip is 5/8" wide and finished is 1 3/4" long overall and 1 3/16" between each ends tip. It's about .050" thick and I can't remember if its MS or 4130. Another option is to keep a couple of small spring clamps in the car...Home Depot for about $1.49 each. Put your roof up and snap them on. Certainly no more unusual looking than painters tape and quicker to use.

Sorry, but I mixed up the descriptions between the second and third pictures above. The clip was simply beat into shape in a vice with a hammer and a couple of forming tools...likely a piece of tubing or small round bar...can't remember. This fix makes my roof very close to completely waterproof at any speed. The second pic above of the clip in position also shows a notch I cut out of the bow earlier to try to attach a new latch. No easy way to get a new latch onto that bow it seems. A thin strip of weatherstrip inside the lip of the bow might complete my waterproofing goal. Not driving because of rain is not an option for me.

Here is some photos of the seal that I applied. I think that my latches and top adjustment were fine. The original seal sealed to the top of the window frame. In the area where the two latches are there is less header material and it creates a leak path. Putting the seal on the face of the windshield, I believe, will stop a lot of water from being forced up and over this seal. I'll report back once it's been properly tested by driving in the rain. Hopefully, no time soon :-)

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