Recently got my 96 vanden plas back from the paint shop sunroof removed to be painted.

Body shop installed seal backwards and did not crimp in on properly so I have a new NOS seal and need to have it installed properly on the sliding panel . I am in the daytona beach area.

I even tried to order the special tool which is on back order till Oct 4.
Is there an alternative way to install this seal properly?

Tim Stein
Tim2go46@yahoo.com

 

I cant believe no ones installed one of these sunroof seals .
Well I ordered one of the special tools spx 501-023 I'll just park it till October
when it comes off back order. Till then it will be an alfa romeo summer

Thanks and good night

 

have you checked the dealer, we still have one and use it at least once a yr

 

I made a tool out of a pair of what are commonly known as "gas Pliers". Just grind out a relief back from the nose of the jaws, and then smooth the jaw serrations. The point is to squeeze the seal along an area 3 to 10 mm away from the folded edge.

 

Here is a diagram of the tool, maybe make something out of a sheet metal pliers with wide jaws.

bob gauff

 

Bob:
Thanks for the picture, but I would disagree that you need a "wide" pair of pliers. Note that the Jag tool has a narrow crimp surface projecting down form the wide edge. I suspec tit is built that way to get the crimp point where you can see it.