Source for Mondi T cabrio top to windshield frame seal?

Hello. Worked hard trying to find a replacement. The ONLY place I could find it was at Maranello UK, but... The batch they have available, although is said to factory and comes in a Ferrari box, the quality was very poor. That seal is comprised of three parts; center long section that seems extruded, and the ends which are more complex and seem molded. They are supposed to be fuse/glued seamlessly as the original, but the one I got, and in their stock, the ends have a larger section size than the center piece and dontt match, creating a visible 1/4" step that looks bad and wont seal appropriately. Had to tear apart and rework the part to correct so it shows better on the visible top. Hope this helps.
BTW, I even went personally to Maranello and they said all the stock shows a similar manufacturing defect.

 

I had the same appearance of a replacement gasket, as well as poor overall quality, returned and got another, both in the F Horse Box, and it was the same, albeit a bit better overall quality.

I have not as yet installed it.

But I do note that my existing seal tends to leak in these end areas, the water seems to channel down to each, and gets directed into the car. I am wondering if the stepped up end pieces are actually an improvement to ensure a proper seal, and prevent the water from channeling into the leak prone end areas. It certainly would not look as nice as the original one piece item.

I can't imagine that the suppliers would randomly have done the revised design, it would probably be cheaper to make it like the original. But maybe it is cheaper to make the three piece item. I wonder if any concours judge types could weigh in on this, rubber parts over time will all need replacement, and if I was the first to get a Classishe certificate I presume they would want to see an authorized Ferrari part used.

 

In my opinion, these were done by a cheaper supplier and as per Maranello, these will be the last ones available; then NLA. No wonder. If left as they were manufactred, they would have that weak joint point with differing density materials and the obvious step, which dont seal properly and present a challenge to compress using the fragile latch system. I had to rework it to ensure proper fit and looks. you might want to try and leave as-is, but still not as per original design and intent. In terms of judging could be tricky. A part with such deviation, even if supposedly original, could be deemed not accpetable even if "authorized". Maranello does have an authorized remanufacture program with Ferrari for NLA's, and this seems to be an ill fated attempt to get these seales available. Thus I reworked.

 

Mine was leaking because it didn't seal tight enough to the top, I was able to carefully wedge the seal away from the metal portion of the windshield frame. I secured it in place and concealed the gap with very carefully placed black sealant, can't tell that the repair was ever done and no more leaks.
Alden

 

Great idea, my original seal is in very good appearance condition, it has just lost that bit of spring the makes for the secure seal.

 

I have just carefully taken mine off as I have removed broken windscreen and need to paint before I install the new one. I noticed near both corners there is a small 5cm strip of neoprene foam stuck under the main seal. I reckon that must have been from factory. It would serve the purpose of lifting the main seal up and placing more pressure on the hood frame.

 

That is essentially what I did at each corner, I used a piece of round foam backer rod to push the seal closer to the roof frame, then carefully concealed the repair with black silicone.
Alden

 

Get some Gumipledge. Keep those gaskets and seals lubricated / moisturized. Incredible product.

 

"I put that **** on everything!"
Alden
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I can't believe after all my years on Fchat this may be the first thread dealing with that windsheild header seal!!

 

I can't recall if I posted my solution before, I've been accused of redneck engineering a few times on this forum, LOL! Whatever works right?
Alden