hard top

[81_chevy_4x4]

hey i just got my second blazer 83 jimmy with 71 thousand miles the hard top has never been off. somebody told me that if i take the top off after never being off in 25 years then i had to get new weatherstripping if i want to replace the top back on it is that true.

 

[lectric80]

No you can remove it and replace it without replacing the seals, if you are careful. You want to make sure the seals don't stick anywhere when removing it. Then coat them with WD-40 before you reinstall them, and wipe them with a paper towel. The WD will help soften the seals a bit.

 

[gt1009]

You should be fine. With my truck I just took it off and put it back on and it doesn't leak.

 

[dyeager535]

It can go two ways. It leaks, or it doesn't.

If it leaks, new seals. I wouldn't let the potential of a leak stop me from removing the top. And don't forget to remove the two hidden bolts (beneath the bed side covers at the back) before trying to jerk it off.

Problem with the top seals are no different than say, your rear window glass seals, or the door window seals. When exposed to UV and heat, they harden and tend to break down. The part that is exposed may crack or tear, and the parts not exposed may not have any resiliency left in them so once the seal is broken, that's it.

Dielectric grease is what you should use on seals. Anything with silicone in it (I believe WD40 falls into that category) may damage the seals in the long run. Dielectric is what GM says to use, that's not my idea or opinion.