Mk3 Spitfire hardtop rear glass seal

[1969Mk3Spitfire]

This same subject pops-up from time to time but I’m posting now to see if anyone knows of an update?

I believe that the rear glass seal is no longer available and that, pretty much, no real close alternatives exist. Any changes to this position?

My newly refurbished hardtop is due to arrive today. The only jobs outstanding are to fit the seals and the rear glass. The original seal, showing signs of its 50+ year age, is still fitted to the glass. If I use this, any tips to make it as functional and presentable as possible?

Many thanks.

[Pete Lewis]

have you browsed the wide range of extrusions made by CO Baines ???

Rubbers Extrusions, Seals and Profiles Manufacturer - COH Baines (coh-baines.co.uk)

they make all the seals for the trade and will send you  samples  you can send them a section or drawing of what you want and they will help if possible 

Pete

[1969Mk3Spitfire]

31 minutes ago, Pete Lewis said:

have you browsed the wide range of extrusions made by CO Baines ???

Rubbers Extrusions, Seals and Profiles Manufacturer - COH Baines (coh-baines.co.uk)

they make all the seals for the trade and will send you  samples  you can send them a section or drawing of what you want and they will help if possible 

Pete

Thanks, Pete, and to Mr Badwolf, too for making the same suggestion within my post in the parts wanted section.

I’ve sent a query to Bains and I’ll follow-up with a phone call on Tuesday. They are not a million miles from me so I may even get the chance to visit.

I’ve spent quite a lot having the hardtop professionally refurbished and it looks great and, being shiny black, complements my shiny white car nicely. All other seals are new. I’m spending time this morning (currently coffee break time) trying to clean the 50+ year old rear glass seal. It’s pretty dire and if I were a priest, I’d be giving it last rites.

[Pete Lewis]

once the sun and oxidisation have had a go they dont recover well 

Pete

[Adrian Cooper]

One note of caution. I restored and refitted my hardtop last autumn and when I took it off last month it had left quite deep marks in the paint on the rear deck. I don't think that the rear deck seal, that is available from our usual suppliers, is up to the job. It is just not thick enough to protect the paint from the inevitable movement of the hardtop against the deck in normal use. I presume that you have bought the available seal as part of your restoration, or do you have the old one still? If not I would suggest that you take the new one with you if you visit Baines and get something more substantial.

Please show us pictures when it is completed, a black hardtop on a white car sounds great.

Adrian

[Pete Lewis]

i would think the mounting pad rubbers were too thin too  soft etc 

the pads support the top the main seal length keeps the rain out 

Pete

[1969Mk3Spitfire]

8 minutes ago, Adrian Cooper said:

One note of caution. I restored and refitted my hardtop last autumn and when I took it off last month it had left quite deep marks in the paint on the rear deck. I don't think that the rear deck seal, that is available from our usual suppliers, is up to the job. It is just not thick enough to protect the paint from the inevitable movement of the hardtop against the deck in normal use. I presume that you have bought the available seal as part of your restoration, or do you have the old one still? If not I would suggest that you take the new one with you if you visit Baines and get something more substantial.

Please show us pictures when it is completed, a black hardtop on a white car sounds great.

Adrian

Thanks for the cautionary note, Adrian.

Yes, I have a replacement rear deck seal and have noted that it is a bit smaller than the original. 

I’ve just seen Pete’s comment about the mounting blocks. These are available and I have them on order.

Black on white does look good so I’ll gladly post a picture once it’s firmly held down in place. It is currently resting in place, sitting on old blankets to protect the paintwork.

If I can’t find a replacement seal I’m going to start a new craze in driving the car without a rear screen.

Any knowledge about availability of the side mounting tie bars, 621434. These are as rare as rocking horse manure although I can probably fabricate something suitable. 
 

 

[Pete Lewis]

2 hours ago, 1969Mk3Spitfire said:

621434

not even mick dolphin lists them now  they have been hard to find for too long 

found this one 

James Paddock Limited - Triumph Stag, Spitfire, TR6, TR7, GT6, Vitesse, Herald Parts and Spares Specialists. SPITFIRE MK4-1500 HARD TOP TIE BAR SHORT FOR USE WHEN SOFT TOP FITTED(624720)

Pete

[Badwolf]

As for the old rubber seals, Colin suggested that I use black shoe polish to rejuvenate my old clutch and brake master cylinder boots, when the new ones turned out to be rubbish. It actually worked very well. Not sure about the glass seal but might be worth testing on a couple.of inches.