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How to Install Convertible Top Rear Bow Seals

What Is a Header Seal?

The header seal (also called front bow weatherstrip) creates the critical seal between your convertible top and the windshield header. This is the #1 source of water leaks on convertibles—when it fails, water drips directly onto your dashboard and front seats.

Before You Begin

Gather Your Supplies:

💡 Pro Tip: For all the tools and adhesive you need in one purchase, consider the Complete Installation Kit (GLK-1).

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

  1. Raise your convertible top to a comfortable working height.
  2. Latch the top to the windshield header in the closed position.
  3. Ensure the area is clean, dry, and above 60°F (15°C) for proper adhesive cure.

Step 2: Remove the Old Header Seal

  1. Unlatch the top from the windshield header.
  2. Using a trim tool, carefully pry out the old weatherstrip.
  3. Remove any retainer clips—note their positions for reinstallation.
  4. Critical: Scrape all old adhesive residue from the header channel. Old glue underneath new rubber causes poor adhesion and leaks.
  5. Clean the channel thoroughly with lacquer thinner and allow to dry completely.

Step 3: Dry-Fit the New Seal

  1. Do not apply adhesive yet.
  2. Position the new header seal in the channel, starting from the center and working outward.
  3. Check alignment at both ends—the seal should terminate precisely at the corners where it meets the roof rail seals.
  4. Note any trimming required (measure twice, cut once).

Step 4: Apply Adhesive

  1. Apply a thin, continuous bead of 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive to the header channel.
  2. Also apply a light coat to the back of the weatherstrip.
  3. Allow adhesive to become tacky (typically 2-5 minutes, depending on temperature).

Step 5: Install the Header Seal

  1. Start at the center and press the seal firmly into the channel.
  2. Work toward each end, ensuring the seal sits evenly without stretching.
  3. If your seal uses retainer clips:
    • Install clips at their original positions
    • Still apply adhesive between clips to prevent gapping
  4. Press firmly along the entire length to ensure complete contact.

Step 6: Final Steps

  1. Install any chrome or stainless trim pieces that cover the seal edge.
  2. Keep the top latched in the closed position for 24 hours to allow proper adhesive cure and seal compression.
  3. Latch and unlatch the top several times to help the seal conform.

What to Expect After Installation

⚠️ Important: New Metro SUPERsoft rubber is intentionally slightly oversized to ensure a watertight seal. You may notice:

  • Increased resistance when latching the top (first 1-2 weeks)
  • The seal appearing "too thick" initially

This is normal. The rubber requires a break-in period of several days to two weeks to compress and conform to your header. The fit will improve with use.

Troubleshooting

Problem Likely Cause Solution
Seal won't stay in place Surface not clean; adhesive not tacky enough Re-clean channel; let adhesive get tackier before pressing
Leaks at corners Poor seal-to-seal junction Apply extra adhesive where header meets roof rail seals
Hard to latch top Normal for new seal Allow break-in time; do not trim the seal
Gaps visible when latched Seal stretched during install Remove and reinstall without stretching

Related Articles

Article 21: How to Install Convertible Top Rear Bow Seals

What Is a Rear Bow Seal?

The rear bow seal sits on the rear-most horizontal frame member of your convertible top. It provides the weatherseal between the convertible top material and the rear body of the vehicle (typically above the rear window or trunk area). This seal works in conjunction with the tacking strip—the metal channel riveted to the rear bow where your top material is stapled.

Before You Begin

Gather Your Supplies:

Understanding the Rear Bow Assembly

The rear bow area consists of:

  1. Rear Bow – The curved metal frame member
  2. Tacking Strip – A metal channel riveted into a groove on the rear bow; receives staples holding the top material
  3. Rear Bow Seal – The rubber weatherstrip that seals against the body

Note: If you're replacing your convertible top material, the tacking strip must be addressed first. If only replacing the rear bow seal, you may not need to disturb the tacking strip.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Access the Rear Bow

  1. Lower the convertible top to gain access (or position at a convenient working height).
  2. If your vehicle has a boot cover, remove it.
  3. Identify the rear bow seal location—it typically attaches to the underside or rear face of the rear bow.

Step 2: Remove the Old Rear Bow Seal

  1. Carefully peel away the old seal using a trim tool.
  2. For seals with clips, note clip positions before removal.
  3. Remove all old adhesive residue—this is critical for proper new seal adhesion.
  4. Clean the mounting surface with lacquer thinner; allow to dry.

Step 3: Dry-Fit the New Seal

  1. Position the new rear bow seal along the rear bow without adhesive.
  2. Verify proper fit from end to end.
  3. Check that the seal's profile faces the correct direction (sealing lip toward body).
  4. Mark the center point on both the seal and the bow for alignment.

Step 4: Apply Adhesive and Install

  1. Apply 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive to both the mounting surface and back of the seal.
  2. Wait until tacky (2-5 minutes).
  3. Start at the center, aligning your reference marks.
  4. Press firmly while working toward each end.
  5. Ensure the seal is not stretched—let it follow the natural curve of the bow.

Step 5: Address the Tacking Strip (If Necessary)

If your tacking strip is damaged or you're installing a new top:

  1. Remove the old tacking strip by drilling out the rivets.
  2. Clean the rear bow groove.
  3. Apply a light film of oil in the groove to ease installation.
  4. Position the new tacking strip and secure with pop rivets at original locations.
  5. The top material gets stapled to this tacking strip, and trim (wire-on or similar) covers the staples.

Installation Tips

  • Don't over-stretch: The seal should conform to the bow's curve naturally
  • Temperature matters: Install in temperatures above 60°F for proper adhesive cure
  • Staple pattern: If stapling top material to the tacking strip, work from center outward, alternating sides
  • Seal direction: Ensure the bulb or sealing lip faces toward the body panel it seals against

What to Expect

Like all Metro SUPERsoft rubber, the rear bow seal may feel slightly oversized initially. This ensures a positive seal. After operating the top several times, the rubber will compress and conform to your vehicle's body lines.

Troubleshooting

Problem Likely Cause Solution
Seal peeling away Poor surface prep or rushed adhesive Remove, re-clean surface, reapply with proper tack time
Water entering trunk area Seal not making contact with body Check top adjustment; seal may need repositioning
Seal too short Wrong part or stretched during removal Verify correct part number; do not stretch new seal
Staples pulling through Worn tacking strip Replace tacking strip before re-stapling
Jan 9, 2026

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