Sunroof felt seals?

[KTPhil]

The typical gray velvet seals only last a short while. Mine has lasted almost 5 years, but the car is garaged every night, and I've been applying protectant regularly.

Some have used other similar seals, specifically pieces for a Porsche that are colored black. Pricey, too, I'm sure.

Does anyone have experience with alternative seals?

Do they last longer?

What do they cost for enough material to do the larger Type 3 fast/square/notch sunroof?

And I know these are dust and wind seals, not water seals. It's the degradation from exposure that seems to age them quickly.

[Bobnotch]

Phil, you did good on getting yours to last that long. The last set I got thru ISP West went about 8 months, but then it's parked outside everyday and exposed to Michigan weather (it's not a trailer or garage queen). This was the 3rd set I've put on the car since 1999 - early 2000 when I built the car. The 1st 2 sets I got thru CIP, and were WCM seals for less than WCM sells them for. The first set went 4 years, and only got replaced because I was adjusting the paint on the roof (had some scratches from installing the sunroof the 1st time). The 2nd set went 9 years, before a similar deal with the roof (along with some rust repair). They had actually faded almost white when I changed them.

When ordering the seals, I'd get 2 large bug seals, and trim 1 down as the 2 will overlap. Plus, you have to add a couple of extra slits into the rear piece to help it transition from vertical to horizontal as it's 1 piece that goes all the way across and about 3.5 inches on the sides.

I hope this helps.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120

[KTPhil]

Thanks, Bob, I may go that route.

But I'm hoping the Porsche seal is made differently and may last longer. I suppose I should post this in the Porsche forum, though! I'll add a link.

[Tram]

[Bobnotch]

I've never tried it Tram, so I don't know if it would work. But, looking at the bulb end of both, the T-1 fender seal bulb is larger and could cause an interference problem when trying to close.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120

[KTPhil]

Ok, saw a 911 at the local cars&coffee, and it's sunroof panel is smaller is all dimensions by about 3-4 inches, so I may have to try something else. Three seals at $75 each seems a little pricey for the attempt. Maybe that material can be bought in a roll from a manufacturer?

[KTPhil]