Conv' weatherstrip removal help needed

[JayBee]

I was trying to remove the very front convertible top rubber weatherstrip and gave up. You'll know the one I'm talking about once you see the pictures. I can move it back and forth in that channel up to the locating pins on both sides. It doesn't budge in the middle. I thought that since I'm replacing it anyway why not just cut, rip, tear and gouge it out. Then I thought, maybe I'm missing something, what if I can't get the new one in.

So, has any convertible owner replaced this piece, and if so, what's the trick. I've already tried silicone spray but it still won't move in the center, maybe I just didn't get it in far enough. (and no, "that's not what she said").

[Nel]

I dont know if its normal, but when we restore the top on the Challenger we just pull on it and came out easy.

[JayBee]

Thanks, I guess mine's just really really tight.
It's the original one too, so after 44 years some crud must have worked it's way into the channel.

[Nel]

If I remember right, under the second big ruber you sould find screws
 that hold the bar whit the chanel. That bar gona come whit the ruber that you whant to change. Afther that just pull on it.

[JayBee]

Nel, thanks for the tip about removing the second big rubber. That one came off easy and there were 13 screws under it holding that channel in place. I would never have slid the weatherstripping out without removing the channel. The rubber was binding on the vinyl top and I found contact cement & silicone in the channel. Much appreciated. 

[Nel]

Well the first time i read your post i did'nt realise that you did'nt had the channel in your hand. Sorry

[AARuFAST]

Great info I may need also. Is the rubber remanufactured.

While at it
 how do you remove ALL the chrome around the windshield. It has so much of the tar under it that it is hard as asphalt.
Any input..........

[JayBee]

Great info I may need also. Is the rubber remanufactured.

While at it
 how do you remove ALL the chrome around the windshield. It has so much of the tar under it that it is hard as asphalt.
Any input..........

I bought a convertible weatherstripping  kit some time ago. It's only the top, the pillar rubber is separate and extra.
Also, I'm not the one to ask for chrome trim removal tips judging by the dents in mine.

[JayBee]

Well the first time i read your post i did'nt realise that you did'nt had the channel in your hand. Sorry

Nel, don't apologize, you saved me a lot of time, struggle and damage. I can't thank you enough.
Once it was all out I found 2 small rusted pinholes that got fixed up and the channel got re-painted too.
Again, many, many, many thanks for responding to my post.

[Nel]

I dont know nothing about the chrome around the windsheild. Sorry