[Dare1]

is it necessary to remove and replace the seals when replacing the headliner and the vinyl top? We are also replacing the rear window and windshield. Also is it necessary to take out the headliner to do the glass? My rear window got broken, and all of these things had to be replaced anyways, so we figured to just go ahead and do it all at once. Thanks for any help!

[Jay H 237]

Originally Posted by Dare1

is it necessary to remove and replace the seals when replacing the headliner and the vinyl top? We are also replacing the rear window and windshield. Also is it necessary to take out the headliner to do the glass? My rear window got broken, and all of these things had to be replaced anyways, so we figured to just go ahead and do it all at once. Thanks for any help!

To do the vinyl top and headliner correctly then yes, the seals need to be removed since the headliner and vinyl are under the seals wrapped around the pinch weld. The glass (and seals) were installed AFTER the headliner and vinyl top (if equipped) at the factory.

Headliner doesn't need to come out to do the glass, see above.

The seals will most likely need to be replaced. There is a slim chance they can be saved if they are in good shape and no sealer was used. If sealer was used then forget it, you'll be cutting the gasket to remove the glass.

Since you want to do everything, now is a great time to do that. Remove the glass and gaskets first then remove the headliner and vinyl top. Put the new headliner and vinyl top on and finally reinstall the glass with new seals. You might as well just replace the seals since everything is out and the cost of them isn't much, plus new seals will just be peace of mind. Even if the seals are in decent condition now they still have been exposed to the UV rays and weather more than a new seal would be and won't hold up as long as a new one would if you replaced them. The labor to replace the reused ones in the future will be double since you have to go through the glass removal and replacement again, where at this point you're only doing it once.