Convertible Header Seal Retainer

[65Dart67300]

I'm getting close to redoing my top, but before I start I need to figure out what to do with my header seal retainer. It is in no condition to re-use once I remove it. Will the top remain attached to the header bar when I remove the retainer? I'd like to remove the retainer so I can begin to create a new one and still be able to use the car without the top flying off.

 

[Dana67Dart]

What year and car

67 dart, the top wraps around the header. (Should be glued) then the seal retainer sandwiches it all in place.

 

[65Dart67300]

I have a 1965 Dodge Dart. The seal retainer is c shaped with a flange that comes off of it.

Here is a simple ascii art version:
C
..\

I've already pulled out the seal in the pictures. My next step is to remove the seal retainer, but once its off there is no going back...

 

[65Dart67300]

I removed the seal retainer today and it looks like the old top is glued down pretty well. No need to worry about it coming off while I figure out a replacement.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Oof! That looks like what is left of my 67 convert rear seat bottom.

 

[BillGrissom]

My 1964 Valiant header seal retainer had a few rust-thrus, but still useable. I should be glad since a Modesto convertible which isn't quite as dry as the OC. Removed it years ago and treated the rust (wire-brush, Evapo-rust, phosphoric acid, paint). Got around to installing a new top, so browsing. Since none available, I suggest fixing yours. If you have a welder, you could add sheet-metal to span those 2 gaps to stiffen it, but probably useable as-is (after repaint) if you use extra glue on the new weatherstrip.