NA hardtop rear window seal installation

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 9:21 am

Hi,
Can I remove and re-install (a new) rear window rubber without removing the glass?
YouTube video show glass and rubber installation at the same time. Mazda manual says install glass and then the rubber.
I'm trying to paint the hardtop without glass removal.
Thanks

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 9:37 am

Lightyear's posts might help as I recall him talking about HT rear window seals.

RS2000 · Postby **RS2000** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 10:11 am

The NB8A factory workshop manual shows how to remove & install new molding. The glass stays in place.
The seal is actually applied sealant when fitting the glass.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 10:25 am

Thanks guys. That's what I thought, I've got the manual too. Just wanted first hand experience (will look at Lightyears posts).
I don't think the original is save-able as it is old and hard. Plus it is glued in and will likely stretch or tear when removed. Amamaya have it delivered for $80 whereas Mazda Aust want $200.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 10:43 am

See lowmiata's post in following: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=35733
Also: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=75866&hilit=seal

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 11:50 am

Hmm, this comment says the new rubber may not want to go back in;
it appears they've sliced or torn the old rubber off and taped the window up, which means the window has to come out properly, the remnants of the old rubber be removed and the window be re stuck with the new rubber.

Apparently not as simple of a job as some as the threads here suggest.

RS2000 · Postby **RS2000** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 12:53 pm

Yes, not as simple as pushing in new molding.
Under "Exterior Trim- Rear Window Molding Installation" in my manual, you have to cut/scrape away as much sealant as possible (with glass still in place) then add new primer & sealant before pushing the new molding in. It shows instructional drawings for all this.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 2:46 pm

My old Mazda manual does not show that.
As I suspected, the seal in shoved into the wet sealant (and primered). Not as easy as it seems.
$90 to have glass removed and replaced (no seal) which ain't bad, just fearful of the glass breaking.
I don't think people fit the foam strip on the inside.
Don't know where low miata is getting his 2009 prices from for seals.
All these small issues could be avoided if the darn seal just slotted in.