Alternative for Hood/Soft Top Sealing Frame Part # 51718398104

[NZ00Z3]

Hi

The Hood/Soft Top sealing frame part # 51718398104 is currently out of supply. The frame has a habit of breaking when you try to remove it when changing the hood/soft top. An alternative that has been successfully used is a length of Neoprene Solid Rubber Strip 125" (1/8") Thick x 4" Wide x 10' Feet.

Here is the link to the Amazon item.

Amazon.com: Rubber Sheet Warehouse .125" (1/8") Thick x 4" Wide x 10' Feet -Neoprene Solid Rubber Strip NOT for Cosmetic Purposes Perfect for Weather Stripping, Gasket, Costume & DIY Projects: Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: Rubber Sheet Warehouse .125" (1/8") Thick x 4" Wide x 10' Feet -Neoprene Solid Rubber Strip NOT for Cosmetic Purposes Perfect for Weather Stripping, Gasket, Costume & DIY Projects: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

Regards

Murray

 

[nahart51]

Thanks mate, you just solved my problem...and way cheaper than i would have spent, if I even could find the part

 

[mrscalex]

I have a small number within my used spares if anyone needs one. The trouble is they are rarely needed by anyone in the UK. It tends to be warmer weather countries where they break. In those same countries the used spares aren't as easily available. Or perhaps they get snapped up quick. And sending them abroad or even within the UK is a non runner.

 

[mrscalex]

Btw I'm implying I think the plastic in the strip must go brittle from the warmer climate of some countries. The pattern of non-issues in UK v issues in US (usually read about it there) is too clear for me to think it's anything else.

 

[Little-Lack]

Btw I'm implying I think the plastic in the strip must go brittle from the warmer climate of some countries. The pattern of non-issues in UK v issues in US (usually read about it there) is too clear for me to think it's anything else.

Hi do you still have a spare sealing frame? 51718398104

 

[mrscalex]

I do but it would need picking up from Swindon, UK. No postage. Please PM if interested.

 

[mrscalex]

Btw best to tag someone on a cold thread like this. eg @Little-Lack I'm not on the forum much recently and only clicked the email notifiction as it rung a vague bell - so I nearly missed it.

 

[Little-Lack]

@[B]mrscalex[/B] thank you for the hint I've sent you a PM

 

[ndash]

Hi @mrscalex , I really need one of these Z3 sealing frames urgently (car in bits and mine snapped!) and I am in the UK.

I will PM you, do you still have one for sale?

Thanks!

 

[Coldz3]

Can someone please provide a link or photos using the rubber alternative to the sealing frame.

I need to do a new top and was just out in my garage contemplating how to plastic weld the 6 broken pieces, I put the pieces on the roof hoop to line them up. To my surprise, I'm short a 4" piece. I doubt I lost it, anything is possible, but given the number of breaks and brittleness this wasn't going to be a great path anyway.

The used parts available are subject to the same brittleness. The part is not available new. Leaving the alternative of 3D printing, or now this rubber strip.

I'm curious on what the install looks like and was hopping to see some pictures.

Thanks!!

 

[ndash]

My mechanic thought you would struggle to get the rubber seal to clip onto the rubber strip suggested here, thought it needs a stronger surface to push on to. And he was probably right, we had to push the rubber seal very hard to get it to seat right.

Perhaps better to go to a breakers yard and remove the plastic sealing frame from another car - mrscalex says you can get them off without snapping them if careful

 

[Coldz3]

I thought that that may be a concern. I found the missing piece, so I can still do the plastic welding. In addition I've seen some very interesting vinyl extrusions that were closer to the profile. This project is now 5 months away. The car will be in storage in 32 weeks, so there is the luxury of time.

Thanks for your input.

 

[ihhardman]

Thanks mate, you just solved my problem...and way cheaper than i would have spent, if I even could find the part

Did you successfully install a new top with this solution? I just took my old top off and my sealing frame is broken into 4 very brittle pieces.

 

[NMan]

Hi

The Hood/Soft Top sealing frame part # 51718398104 is currently out of supply. The frame has a habit of breaking when you try to remove it when changing the hood/soft top. An alternative that has been successfully used is a length of Neoprene Solid Rubber Strip 125" (1/8") Thick x 4" Wide x 10' Feet.

Here is the link to the Amazon item.

Amazon.com: Rubber Sheet Warehouse .125" (1/8") Thick x 4" Wide x 10' Feet -Neoprene Solid Rubber Strip NOT for Cosmetic Purposes Perfect for Weather Stripping, Gasket, Costume & DIY Projects: Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: Rubber Sheet Warehouse .125" (1/8") Thick x 4" Wide x 10' Feet -Neoprene Solid Rubber Strip NOT for Cosmetic Purposes Perfect for Weather Stripping, Gasket, Costume & DIY Projects: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

Regards

Murray

Just wondering how the fix you did with this method is holding up? Just found out that my sealing frame is split