In a recent post of mine (69 firebird manual convertible top adjustments) I thought that my top frame needed adjusting,but what I have found out is someone may have installed the wrong top weatherstripping kit.The kit on my top now is a 7 piece kit.My car has a build date of 02B,would a 5 piece kit be the right kit for this build date? The 7 piece kit leaves gaps at the A pillar and at the hinge pivots.What companies have others used and has anyone else had this problem.I have read where the 7 piece kits were used on late year production models and the 5 piece kits used on early models,anyone have any info on that? thanks for any help you guy`s have solved a lot of problems in the past. Thanks Allen

Come on you vert owners help me out.How about some pics of how your weatherstripping fits with top down.Tried a 5 piece kit but it had the same gaps,any ideas. PLEASE HELP,Allen

I have the original w/s on my 'vert and have the same gaps that you describe. Not sure how many pieces there are, will have to count next time I'm out in the garage.

I always thought the seven piece kits were just cheap repos because the one piece front transitions in two places to a different type of rubber.

Thanks Hank,do you get much wind noise when you have the top down and the windows up? I wonder if my windows need a little more adjusting if that is the way it came from the factory.Thanks Allen

I have at least 1/2" gap on each side at same location. It certainly has wind noise. It's a 45 year old Convertible...fully expect it to have wind noise.

I fixed mine by getting louder mufflers, and by doing 95% of my driving with top down.

God forbid it should rain. Pretty sure I'd get a bit wet whether top was up or down...

Have no idea how old my weatherstripping is or how many pieces it is. I didn't replace it but pretty sure someone did over the years.

This is why I didn't reply earlier...because any reply from me on this topic is of no value. But wanted you to know you weren't being ignored. Sorry I can't help more...I guess I fully accept my poorly weatherstripped car for what it is...

I will say that the windows have a TON of adjustment...in all different directions.

I have a 69 convertible with what appears to be original w/s. There are five pieces: two per side and a single piece across the windshield header and along the front section over both front door windows. I bought a front header kit (Ames as I recall) and it came with three separate pieces and instructions to use w/s adhesive to seal between the side pieces and windshield header. As someone else mentioned, I think this is simply a cheap repro. There are single piece kits available (more $$).

As to gaps, one thing I learned years ago with my 78 T-Top Formula, is that the rubber shrinks over time. The ends of the top side rails on the T-Tops originally fit tight against the roof opening ends, but after about three years or so there was about a 1/8th inch gap. I remedied it by using black RTV sealer on the T-Top ends to build-up about 1/8th inch and then lightly trimmed it after it dried. No leaks for the rest of the time I owned the car (about another two years).

On the older convertibles the w/s is of a different compound than the newer material; it's generally harder rubber and of course it has the channel in it for the side glass to fit into. Buy the best quality w/s you can (check recommendations from Board members).

The best fit (for weather sealing and noise) I've been told is achieved by first fitting the top frame and w/s to the side windows and adjusting all for good contact BEFORE installing top material. If not, once the top material is on, there will be somewhat less adjustment and over time the top material will inevitably shrink to a degree and reduce the adjustment possibility even further.

In the end, water leaks and wind noise in older convertibles was part of the ownership experience, but even the hardtops weren't as well-sealed as modern cars...

Grant

Thanks for the input guys,its hard to believe that after all these years someone has not made a better w/s kit for these cars.I would guess that the camaro owners have the same problem.I added vintage air to my vert so my wife and I could take it to some different car shows around the country,but the wind noise is terrible when all closed up.The gaps at the hinges I might be able to remedy,but the A pillar gaps seem impossible to fix,any suggestions?It is hard to believe these cars came out of the factory with gaps.Thanks Allen

I really hope you meant to say top up and windows up! I have this pet peeve about top down and windows up. Just ask my wife.
If in fact you meant top up/windows up, yes it is noisy. Fortuantely, the top is down whenever it can be (and the windows too). The only time my Firebird moves with the top up and windows up is if we are on our way to or from as event and the weather doesn't co-operate. Even then we have been known to travel in some pretty cool weather with the top down, heater blowing full blast and the windows down.