Anyone ever change the sunroof seal?

[66mgb]

Ok - I'm definitely a glutton for punishment...

I started about 7am this morning with a great attitude - now I just need to lay down in the ac and get my blood pressure down!

I ordered a new sunroof seal from Joe last week. DHL brought it bright and early today, so I thought I would change it out in about 10 minutes.

I removed the old seal which was split at the seam in the rear of the sunroof. No problem - maybe a 5 minute job...

Now I'm trying to do everything I can to install the new seal without taking the sunroof off. I started in the rear and realized that it would be better to start from the front and work back.

Has anyone had success w/ this? What's the best way to do it?

I can't find anything in the service manual on seal replacement.

[Q45tech]

You take the panel off...........even new ones will split because they are old rubber................from not treating with Wurth every 30 days.

Just fill in the split with RTV and make it solid again........sculputuring gooey rubber is an art. Tooth picks and patience.

[66mgb]

Once I figured out that the trim panel unclips and slides back - it was all downhill from there!

10 minute job after I unbolted the sunroof panel. My Q is ready for monsoon season now!

Now I need to wipe the panel down with naptha, since there's black goo all around the edges, (and on my fingers!).

One more job checked off "the list"

[Q45tech]

I replaced the seal twice on my Q before I gave up on the old rubber [the last new manufacturing run was probably 1995.

[66mgb]

Alas - the sign of a dying breed...when quality rubber parts are hard to find!

[FDR Dippin]

Was your roof leaking? I too have the split in the back, (we all do...literallty ) but heard that was normal and i shouldn't fix since it wasn't leaking anyway. Joe and 'em quoted me something over $200 for the seal over a yr ago when called. Is that what you paid?

And...the runroof itself is easily removable?

[66mgb]

The sunroof is very easy to remove - once you've done it!

No the roof wasn't leaking, but I wanted the insurance that it wouldn't in the future.

The interior panel slides back after some persuasion and there are six10mm nuts to remove. The exterior panel lifts right off. You will also notice shims behind the nuts as they fall in your lap and also on the floor of the car when you lift the sunroof. Keep track of these. I had four on the front mounts and two on the rear.From there it's easy - just peel off the old seal and refit the new. It all goes back in reverse! Clipping the interior panel is a little tricky, but it's not too bad.While you have the sunroof off, it's a good idea to clean the crud off of the channels and guides. Lube the friction areas with lithium grease.

Joe's price for the seal is $150 if ordered online. I cried a little bit and dug into the spare change jar.