Raven01750

Everyone knows we have a big rubber gasket that goes across the top of our windshield to provide a weatherproof seal that keeps out water and cuts down on wind noise. But did you know there are two round, foam rubber core that runs through that gasket to provide support?





I didn't either untill this morning. And man are mine flat. I am going to be replacing these as soon as I can find the correct size at my local Home Depot section with seals for doors and windows. Then I'm going to look for a long thin fiberglass rod or something like that, that is flexible enough to allow me to pull the new material through. I might have to add some rubber conditioner while I'm at it to make it slide easier as weIl as condition the inside of that gasket. I'll let you know what size it is as soon I find it. Thanks.

Paul

Raven01750

OK. Update time. I found some on ebay in various sizes. The proper name is called closed cell foam "Backer Rod." Now, all I have to do is identify the proper diameter. Thanks.

Paul

Raven01750

So, this piece comes from the very edge/corner of the windshield pillor. In its compressed state, it measures almost 3/8". I believe in its uncompressed state it would be approximately 1/4".




The foam is actually fairly dense and seems to have a very thin rubber outer coating. That would tell me that its not exactly backers rod as I first thought, but a material that would be more durable over time. I would guess that I could use 1/4" OD X 1/8" ID clear tubing like would be used for food safe air lines, aquarium hose etc., as well as the closed cell foam backers rod.

Paul

EDIT: As an afterthought, I decided to use the tubing instead. My big concern is that the foam will break down much sooner and then be impossible to remove in the future if I even needed to do this again.

Raven01750

Well. Im embarrassed. Much ado about nothing. Is my rod flat? Oh yea. But they dont go all the way across like I though. Two feet of 1/4" backing rod is all you need to make four pieces which will replace both sides. It basically stiffens up the edges/corners of the gasket only where the Top locks come together. Oh well. Yours are probably flat too so theres that when you get around to it. Thanks.

Paul

Raven01750

My solution. I used 1/4" tubing because Home D didn't have 1/4" backing rod. So, good enough untill I find out its not I guess. Thanks for watching this disaster! LOL.

Paul

mandyfig

So what's the verdict, did you notice a difference with these tubes? Were you hearing noises (like wind hizz) prior when the top was up?

You said 4 pieces, where did they go? I am imagining 2 pieces where the latch is. Where did the other 2 go?

Raven01750

Good morning Sir. I replaced them because I noticed that they had collapsed. I hadn't had any real issue with noise because I just turn up the stereo. 😉 The fix did help to restore a more full fitment between the top and the windshield on the corners where the roof locks are located. Lastly, the four pieces mentioned include two on the drivers side and two on the passenger side but its not really the big deal that I thought it was initially. Its an easy job to replace and does restore the original shape of the windshield gasket.

Paul

mandyfig

Thanks for the information and tip. I guess I need to inspect mine and if they are toast (flat), I will be headed to Home Depot. I think I have some leftovers of a similar clear tube.