1G Sunroof weatherstrip repair

[william]

My 91 Talon is getting new paint and headliner. However, the sunroof weatherstripping is in really bad shape. Its been leaking and I want to replace it. The problem is the weatherstripping is no longer available from the dealer. The shop can get me a refurbished unit for 650 dollars, but mine is fine except for the seal. Any suggestions on getting it fixed?

 

[300dollarGSX]

Yours actually looks better than most I have seen in a while. I have been looking at some aftermarket seals that could be used to replace that seal around the edge of the glass. The upside is, that seal really only blocks dirt and leaves and things from going into the channel below the glass. It does block some water, but the four drains are there to take care of the water (as long as they are kept clear). I have even been considering a "flap" type seal that would attach to the sunroof glass and the other side would rest on the roof. That would block debris and even more water than the stock type seal. I Haven't been able to find samples that wouldn't require an adhesive or are inexpensive for trial yet, though.

 

[PlanZero]

If a 1g sunroof is anything like a 2g, the problem usually isn't with the weatherstrip but with the metal frame underneath which is always rusted. I've had leakage problems with all my sunroofs from water making its way under the weatherstrip. I always run a small bead of permatex black silicone adhesive along the inside edge of the weatherstrip and smear it with my finger. If you do it right it will barely be noticeable and you won't leak.

If you just want it to look better spray it with plastidip. I dipped the lower rubber window moldings and its been holding up great.

 

[300dollarGSX]

It's just a pop up glass on the 1g. Take a look at the bottom right of the picture he posted. The seal that goes around the edge of the glass gets dry and brittle and then breaks off in chunks like it has in his pic. The outer edge of that seal was originally like felt allowing it to pass smoothly into the sunroof opening. There is another seal beneath the glass that attaches directly to the body of the car. That's the one that really stops the water. The edge seal really only keeps out some water and debris, but once it starts to break, it looks terrible. We could technically take that whole edge seal off and run without it. As long as the lower seal was good and the water drains were kept clear the interior would stay dry. Without that edge seal, though, you would need to be diligent at keeping the area clear of dirt and leaves and things otherwise the drains will clog quickly.