Hello from Penzance area

Hi, I have just joined your group. I,m near Penzance, Cornwall.
I have a 1986 mark 1 GTi  cabriolet and a 1989 Mark 1 Clipper cabriolet. Just about to replace the hood on the Clipper (By professional upholsterer) but have been advised to replace the rubber seals at same time.
I believe these are the seals between the top of the doors/windows and the roof to seal between the roof and car. (Not the actual window seals)

Any tips on the what exact parts (part numbers) I need and where to buy would be much appreciated, please.

Thanks Guys,
DaveL

Welcome to the club first of all Dave. 

I'm no expert on the roofs but I know a man who is and that's chortle  
He should be able to help on some if not all of your questions! 

Hi Dave
Welcome aboard.
Very rarely do you need to replace the actual rubber seals, that contact the window glass, in the many hoods I've fitted over the years I've only seen one where the seal was actually split.
There are however some foam seals that fit between the aluminium seal retainers and the metal frame arms themselves.
These are replaced as a matter of the hood fitting job anyway so your hood installer should have these anyway.

The main issue is the rear window frame that tends to rust out.  If this has gone then it's pointless doing the hood until you get another one. These are not cheap however at around 250 Euros for a new one. If you're lucky you might find a good secondhand one from a late car.
But these are few and far between.
Another issue is the channel in the body work at the rear the retaining  cable sits in. These are prone to a bit of rust.
Most issues are poor fitment by installers and others say to replace the rear window seal. I've never replaced one. Leaks afterwards or prior often are from incorrect preparation, fitting and sealing in the first place.  
If you need any items or further info contact me on here and I can help you out.
Personally I wouldn't want to be replacing perfectly serviceable parts for no reason. I'd suggest for a full set you'd be looking at around 300 euros.
I've never bought any though.

Cheers
Chortle

Cheers Boss, you gotta love this Club!   

Hi Guys,
Many thanks for the warm welcome and the advice ref the seals.

I can see what you mean and will give seals a good check over.  At the moment the water drips (almost a pour) between the hood and the top seals just behind the drivers side roof catch.
It maybe that a new roof with tighter tensioning will cure it so I'll give that a try first before changing the rubber.
Cheers
Dave

Dave
I'd change the foam gasket seals first re apply the silicone correctly under the retainers. Re apply under the front header seal from the corners about 6 inches inwards.
Then adjust the J Hooks at the front to pull the header against the seal proper.

Unless the roof is really old or ripped etc you may not need to buy a new roof.
I can supply you the foam gaskets and E mail you a fitting guide.
That's going to work out so much cheaper.

Worth a try?

Cheers

Chortle

Thanks Chortle,

I'll give it a closer look later (when it stops raining like a monsoon here!)
I think I see exactly what you mean about the foam seals,  the hood is torn and was badly adjusted by previous owner who tried to remove the hood and then gave up when he saw it was not as ssimple asit first looked.
I think you are correct that once the new hood is fitted it may seal better.  The guy fitting the new hood is an (old school) upholsterer who has done many Mark 1s in the past and I have seen results so have confidence he will sort it.  He  already has new tension cables and lining so will certainly fully check the seals before he starts.

If I do need new, what is the rough cost from you, please?

Also I noticed that the bottom window rubbers that seal the window from the door (I think they call them the "wipers") that wipe the window as it is would down, are beginning to perish.  Do you supply these too and how much roughly would they be,  please.  Probably best to do all jobs like this at same time.

Many thanks for your  help,
Regards
Dave

Whatcha Dave,

Welcome to the club and indeed the Cornish Division! Glad all my hard work promoting the club at the shows in Cornwall is paying off

If you're around any weekend and want to pop up to Camborne I can show you how to replace the bits Chortle is on about 

Mr mark Carter sells the scraper seals you're on about for the top of the doors.

Pop round, drink tea, take the mik out of all the projects on my drive…….

Pmd you my number
Ian

Hi Ian,
many thanks for this,
I'd love to come round sometime soon and see how its done, thanks.
I'll give you a call, cheers
Dave