TheSamba.com :: View topic - Anyone have instructions to install gowesty poptop seal?

Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:37 am

I have finally mounted my fiberglass top, and was trying to get out of town, thought I had these instructions!

I already have the basket mounted to the van, have the poptop mounted to the brackets, and mated to the van.

The pop top also has the primary seal along the lower edge,

I need to know how to cut/glue the FLAT seal along the front leading edge.

Also, unsure where to trim to make this all work..

Pictures are most welcome!

Thanks!!

Al

Sat Jun 30, 2012 12:13 pm

Install it first with the excess material and leave some hanging off each edge. Edge with the rounded groove is the side that goes on the fiberglass.

Mark out on the roof where it ends. I use blue painters tape to prevent soiling the roof with contact adhesive in the next step.

Remove the seal and apply contact cement to seal groove and the roof, both sides. Allow to dry. Apply a small amount of cement to groove and install seal. Allow to cure.

Trim seal excess to be flush with edge of roof.

I trimmed the long seal on the roof to overhang the front seal by about 0.1-0.2" and bonded them with contact adhesive.

Sat Jun 30, 2012 1:13 pm

Hi,

I understand what you said.

The cargo basket has a seal, which runs all the way back to the trailing edge, my boggle is that, where do I trim the seal?

If I trim the pop top seal flush, then that bulk rests atop of the cargo box seal material, and it causes the fiberglass to bulge, definitely a stressor point.

I wish I had my instructions that came with the top, and Gowesty does not have their writeup in the "Library", will take your advice and wing it..

Thanks!

Al

Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:06 pm

I trimmed the cargo basket seal at about the point where the contour changes to a slight inboard recess. You can just leave some excess on it then fit the main seal and once you get it all put together you will see where to trim.

Sat Jun 30, 2012 7:24 pm

Search...you'll find a couple good posts on this very topic.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=495301

This thread has good pictures:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=451036

Mon Jul 02, 2012 5:07 pm

pics definitely showed my lack of understanding..

I ran the basket seal all the way back, so all that extra rubber was my problem!

Thank you!