1962 Hard top to window seal installation process question

[Tamarack Bird]

I am replacing the hard top seal above the window opening. My question has to do with the installation of the butyl tape that sits between the seal and the hard top flange. I could either put the butyl directly on the hard top flange , then place the seal in position on top of it, OR, I could put the butyl on the seal first then install the seal/butyl as an assembly to the hard top. I see pro's and con's of both ways but was wondering what others have done. Thanks.

[jopizz]

The factory put the seal/tape on first then the weatherstrip. They did thousands of them so that's probably the best way.

John

[simplyconnected]

Make sure your top surface is 'lacquer thinner' clean before laying the butyl tape.

Remember when the silicone bathtub calk used to show a dollop on the packaging? The sample was impossible to remove. The secret is a super clean surface.

Urethane around windshields requires a two-step cleaning, They use a nasty (well ventilated) liquid in a dauber bottle around the glass as a primer, then a clean rag to wipe off any grease/dirt, then they squirt urethane. If there is a mistake, they pull the glass and wait a day until the urethane cures, then they cut it off the glass with a razor blade. - Dave

[Tamarack Bird]

I tried it both ways, it turns out the easiest way was to apply the butyl to the seal, this allowed me to push the screws through and then align them it to the holes in the roof.