Now that I have started on the paint I can't figure out how to remove the vertical targa seals and channels without tearing up the metal channel.

Any BTDT advise is appreciated.

You have to carefully slide the rubber seal out first, then you will see screws to remove the metal seal holder.

I recently replaced my vertical seals. The metal trim has a few places that were cut and bent in a way to hold the seals in. You will have to carefully bend this back or you will rip the old seals to shreds (not a big deal if your replacing them). The new seals won't go on unless you bend these bits back out of the way.

-Roger

While I do slide them back into place, I simply pull the seals out of the channels. I get the top started and they pull rather easily out of the channels. Much quicker than trying to slide them out.

To reinstall all rubber seals, I use temporary rubber lubricant it makes the job so much easier/quicker and it is safe to use on rubber.

P-80 Rubber Lubricant

You may be able to get a free sample bottle from them. It works amazingly well. If you ever fought putting the rubber seals back in, you will not believe this stuff.

Good luck to you.

To lubricate rubber without harming it, use KY jelly. Used it for years (on rubber parts, er I mean....Oh forget it!!). Works great.

Andys

KY will actually deteriorate the rubber and make it more brittle with age. It does not evaproate quickly and contains petroleum distillates.

Do you have evidence of this? Perhaps you're confusing it with Vaseline? After all, KY is a completely water soluble product intended to be used you-know-where, unlike the Vaseline type product.

Andys