C4-C6 Corvette Weather Stripping Replacement

Article and photos by Tom Benford

The rubber weather stripping on C4, C5, and C6 Corvette Targa tops eventually becomes dry and fails to seal out rain and moisture the way it was designed to do. When this occurs, the only cure is to replace the weather stripping. In this article, we’ll show you how.

It’s important to note that the project car discussed here is a C4 Corvette, but procedures are essentially the same for C5 and C6 Corvettes as well. 

Tools You’ll Need to Get the Job Done

Of course, you’ll need the replacement weather stripping itself. However, you’ll also want to have the following tools handy: 

• 3M weather strip release agent
• 3M weather strip adhesive
• Weather strip removal tools (If you don’t have these, you can make do with a narrow putty knife or an artist’s palette knife — available at your local hardware or art supply store, respectively.)
• Electric drill with a wire wheel

How to Replace C4-C6 Corvette Weather Stripping in 7 Simple Steps

Let’s get started. Here are the seven steps you’ll take to replace your Corvette’s weather stripping.

1. Spray Weather Stripping With Release Agent

The weather stripping is attached to a metal rail rather than to the Targa top itself, so the first task is to spray the edges of the weather stripping with the release agent and peel it back. Peel back until you can access the screws that hold this rail onto the top.

2. Remove Retaining Screws

Once you’ve peeled off the old weather stripping, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the retaining screws that hold the rail in place.

Here’s what the Targa top looks like (inverted) with the rail removed. The new weather strips (Part #634562 and #634600) are also shown here too, awaiting installation.

3. Remove Remnants of Old Weather Stripping

Inevitably, remnants of the old weather stripping will still be clinging onto the rail, so you’ll have to use copious amounts of release agent and a scraper to remove all this old rubber and adhesive debris. At Corvette Central, we also offer new rails and weather strip retainers (Part #634528).

4. If Debris Remains, Use a Drill With a Wire Wheel Attachment

A wire wheel attached to an electric or cordless drill really speeds up the debris removal process after all the heavy stuff has been taken care of with the scraper. The cleaner the surface of the rail, the better the new weather stripping will adhere to it for a nice, water- and moisture-proof seal.

5. Apply Weather Stripping Adhesive

When the rail is pristinely cleaned, apply a generous bead of weather strip adhesive along the full length of the rail, then reattach it to the Targa top using the same Phillips screws removed earlier. Let the adhesive set for a few minutes to increase its tackiness.

6. Press New Weather Strip Into the Rail Channel

Press the new weather stripping into the channel in the rail firmly so that it is fully seated; you’ll feel it snap into the rail channel. Go back and forth several times to make sure it is firmly in place so that it bonds correctly.

7. Repeat on the Other Side!

The photo above is one side completed. Now all that’s left is to repeat the previous six steps on the opposite side, and you’re done!

Need Corvette Weather Stripping Replacement Solutions? Shop Our Inventory.

For best-in-class Corvette parts and accessories, you can trust Corvette Central. Shop our inventory for everything you need to upgrade, repair, or restore your car — from weather stripping components to headlights, A/C systems, trim solutions, and more.