Sunroof seal question

[Kyle_T]

Long story short, I left my car outside in some heavy rain and when I got in it I noticed my headliner was damp. Ended up pulling the sunroof and removing the seal. Noticed the metal frame was starting to rust and the seal was leaking.

I cleaned up the frame, used permatex rust converter on and with a coat of rustoleum over that. I got a new OEM sunroof seal. Now Im wondering if I should silicone the seal to the frame or if it will be fine without? Just looking for some tips from anyone whos replaced it before.

 

[Dxc545]

I used a little bead of silicon around the seal to roof just because I didn't get a new one. You might wanna check your drain lines out if you haven't. The sunroof is like a pan and will flow over and leak inside if clogged.

 

[Kyle_T]

Drain lines are good. Ive already confirmed that the seal was bad. When I pulled it off water poured out of the groove for the glass.

 

[Dxc545]

I also had to put sealant in the front corners were the drive rails I guess you would call them go through.

 

[estoyaqui30]

I had a problem with leaking and rattling, so I siliconed the seal to the car body and a second bead between the glass and the seal. Seems to be good so far.

 

[Kyle_T]

The seal seems to fit pretty tight onto the metal frame so I think I might be fine with out it. But I dont want to deal with it leaking again.

 

[1995silvergst]

I used the permatex all the way around the seal to attach it to the frame. I also had a small amount of rust the I wire wheeled and painted. Doesn't leak now at all and you may want to take some silicone spray lube and hit the felt of the seal as well.

 

[Kyle_T]

Any special permatex? Or just any gasket maker?

 

[1995silvergst]

I used the gasket maker ultra blue, it is a multi purpose with good adhesion that will not harden. Also I forgot to mention, I used an OEM seal. I have heard of some less expensive seal material out there but didn't want to chance it.

 

[daren_p]

When I replaced mine, I didn't use any adheasive/sealent on the seal. Only thing I did use, was rubber toughened super glue (believe thats what it was called), to join the two ends of the seal together. I think I got this procedure right from the factory service manual (as I didn't know about this type of adheasive beforehand) & it didn't mention the use of any other sealent being required.

 

[Kyle_T]

Hmm yea I know there wasnt any sealer on it from the factory and it doesnt say to use any but I want to do it and not have to worry about it leaking ever again. Think I might use a little gasket maker on it to ensure the seal on the frame.