Proper adhesive for black poptop edge trim?

[deaddrift]

It seems my replacement black rubber poptop trim needs to get a grip. When I raised the top this weekend it peeled off front to rear all the way down one side. The other side is starting to go too.

What adhesive is recommended for this application? Hoping not to repeat the PO's mistake.

Thanks!
_________________
Nat

'91 syncro Westfalia, 2nd and 4th owner

Ò,ó

[Ahwahnee]

I don't recall using any adhesive on that seal - the metal portion made a tight grip that has held for the last 20 or 25 years.

Has the inner metal possibly spread a bit?

[sagebus]

I replaced one on an 1977 bay window bus that the PO had used black silicone, seemed to hold pretty well considering how worn the seal was. I pulled it off and replaced it. The silicone was a pain to get off. The new seals have clips in them that i didnt see because of all the black silicone.New one pushed right on, no sealant needed. Mine do kind of stick to the van some times when i havent opened it in a while. Just keep the seal clean and use a little rubber/vinyl conditioner every now and then. I have had mine on nearly twenty years now. The one i replaced on my vanagon the little metal clips inside had rusted away and had no grip.
_________________
1984 Vanagon GL, Wolfsburg Westy 1.9 ltr

[alaskadan]

Yep, the metal reinforcement inside loses its strength. From rusting through and filling with crap that keeps it from gripping too. Sometimes cleaning it out and re crimping it a little before putting it back on helps.

[jimf909]

[alaskadan]

If I were to use adhesive I'd use 3m yellow super weather strip adhesive.

[deaddrift]

Yes, jimf909, I believe the roof seal is an aftermarket product. It was installed by the PO (previous owner) and it is falling off.

I don't think there's any metal in this rubber seal, it's as soft as a noodle (pic 1). It just falls right off. Maybe it has a bunch of individual metal U-shaped strips all along the length? Pic 2 shows what I had thought was adhesive residue, but since it rubs right off I'm thinking not, now.

It appears that maybe the PO didn't use any adhesive. What I thought was residue seems to be just dirt. I'm surprised to read that no adhesive is indicated, it seems pretty obvious to me that the seal won't stay in place without it.

Thanks for the help.

EDIT: welp, now that I watched the video, that looks like my seal. But it sure don't wanna stay in place. I guess I'll clean the roof edge and try to gently crimp the metal tighter with some pliers?
_________________
Nat

'91 syncro Westfalia, 2nd and 4th owner

Ò,ó

[Ahwahnee]

My original seal's clips rusted and failed. The replacement I got (from JCWhitney!) had aluminum clips and has held well.

[deaddrift]

Yep metal clips, crimped them with some small channel lock pliers, pressed on, and seated with a mallet, seems pretty solid.

Thanks for the advice, I would not have guessed it was a pinch fit and it's so much easier and cleaner this way.
_________________
Nat

'91 syncro Westfalia, 2nd and 4th owner

Ò,ó