63 Plymouth Convertible Top Header Seal

Revisiting an old topic I posted about two years ago in case anyone with an old B vert might have any new-news. The re-pop header seal I got for a 100 bucks is part of the weather sealing ills, but not completely. The rubber seal configuration has less meat around the corners above the vent windows leaving a 1/4" gap. It also sits in the top channel more vertical than the OEM strip. If anyone knows of a good source for correct header seal closer to OEM, please let me know. Also, if anyone has done some nifty tricks to better seal the area or modified the top frame work great to know. The cross bars in mine seem too high and I've lowered the one that's adjustable to its limit. Next thought is to grind out the slot to enable a lower setting. Rear bar is riveted or has a roll pin, and considering taking it out to reshape it so it sets lower. Two places that do tops haven't been much help other than having some nice conversation. Thanks!

I too am working on a 'vert. Mine's a '64 Fury. I bought it from the original owner, and my top is shot. Been driving it for two years with no top, even in winter (when no salt is on the road). We just dress for the occasion. I purchased rubber seals from Steele Rubber Products. I have not installed them yet, so I can't really comment on whether they are high quality or not. The upholsterer I went to for a quote on a top didn't want to touch it until I got the rubber parts needed. He typically does Chevy stuff on '69 Camaros and Chevelles. Since this was not a plug and play type job, he walked away from it. Now I'm in need of some help, or I may just try to do it myself.

The header seal for E body vert isn't much better... I wound up adding some cord type butyl tape sealant between the frame & the back side of the seal which put extra pressure on the seal...

One technique to build up the integrity of the header seal is to insert rubber hose into the weatherstrip. Find an opening and take the largest diameter hose (vacuum line, fuel line, maybe even heater hose) and thread it into the header weatherstrip. Soak or spray the hose with armor all like stuff to lube.
Some tops have adjustments that place more pressure on the side windows. These are star wheel adjusters were the top scissors. Adjust out towards the front of the car for more pressure.

Frustration said:

I too am working on a 'vert. Mine's a '64 Fury. I bought it from the original owner, and my top is shot. Been driving it for two years with no top, even in winter (when no salt is on the road). We just dress for the occasion. I purchased rubber seals from Steele Rubber Products. I have not installed them yet, so I can't really comment on whether they are high quality or not. The upholsterer I went to for a quote on a top didn't want to touch it until I got the rubber parts needed. He typically does Chevy stuff on '69 Camaros and Chevelles. Since this was not a plug and play type job, he walked away from it. Now I'm in need of some help, or I may just try to do it myself. View attachment 964683

Click to expand...

The top shop that did my car had to put a 2nd top on as it was a bad fit. The 2nd try after I gave him dimensions came out just a bit better; but still a not good job. And he didn't meet the dimensions I asked for. He was 1/2-inch too narrow. He admitted he didn't like doing old mopar tops being a GM guy and I said wish you'd a said something before! After all the futzing I know more and might take a stab at putting one on now there's some good tutorials on the web. Anyway, before I do it I have some ideas that might make what I got fit decent enough - no idea until I have at it..

It's a 2 man job minimum. Air stapler helps. Remember to do hold down cables while you are at it.