Manx Windshield Bottom Seal, For Windshield To Body

OVERVIEW

When you are building or restoring a classic Meyers Manx or a custom dune buggy, the finishing details are what separate a professional-grade build from a weekend project. The EMPI Manx Windshield Bottom Seal is a critical component designed to bridge the gap between your aluminum windshield frame and the fiberglass body of your buggy. This high-quality rubber extrusion provides the necessary weatherproofing to keep rain and road grime out of your cockpit, while also acting as a vital cushion. Without a proper seal, the vibration from your air-cooled engine and the uneven terrain of the dunes can cause the metal frame to chafe against the gel coat of your fiberglass body, leading to unsightly scratches or even structural cracks over time. This seal ensures a tight, professional fit that preserves the integrity of your vehicle''s finish.

Crafted from a durable, UV-resistant rubber compound, this 44-inch seal is engineered to withstand the harsh environments that dune buggies are born to inhabit. Whether you are blasting through salty sea air on the coast or baking under the desert sun, this seal remains pliable and effective, resisting the drying and cracking that often plagues inferior universal gaskets. As a genuine EMPI product, it is designed specifically for the iconic Manx-style windshield frames that have defined the buggy scene for decades. The generous 44-inch length provides ample material to cover the entire span of the cowl, allowing for precise trimming to achieve a seamless, factory-look finish. Don''t let a worn-out or missing seal ruin the comfort and aesthetics of your ride; upgrade to this robust solution and keep your interior dry and your bodywork protected.

FITMENT

This windshield-to-body seal is designed for universal application on most fiberglass dune buggies utilizing a Manx-style windshield frame. Common fitments include:

• Meyers Manx: Original and Kick-Out models using standard aluminum frames.
• Manx Clones: Including Berry Mini-T, Empi Sportster, and various glass-babe bodies.
• Custom Tube Frame Buggies: Any custom build utilizing a flat-bottomed Manx-style windshield extrusion.
• Volkswagen Based Kit Cars: Various vintage kits that adopt the traditional 2-post or 3-post buggy windshield assembly.

SPECS

• Part Number: 18-1058-0
• Total Length: 44 Inches (111.76 cm)
• Material: High-density, UV-stabilized EPDM Rubber
• Color: Matte Black
• Profile: T-style/Flanged extrusion designed to seat into the bottom channel of the windshield frame.
• Compatibility: Designed for standard aluminum Manx windshield frames.
• Function: Weatherproofing and vibration dampening between frame and body cowl.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: The "Long Cut" Secret. When installing your new seal, never cut it exactly flush with the ends of the frame immediately. Rubber has a tendency to "memory shrink" slightly after being pulled or manipulated during installation. We recommend cutting the seal about 1/4 inch longer than the frame on each side and letting it sit in the sun for an hour to settle. Once it has stabilized, perform your final trim for a perfect, gap-free fit that won''t pull away from the corners later.

Pro Tip 2: Lubrication is Key. Sliding a dry rubber seal into a tight aluminum channel can be frustrating and may lead to tearing the rubber. Use a mixture of mild dish soap and water or a dedicated silicone-based rubber lubricant to coat the "T" portion of the seal before sliding it into the frame. This allows the seal to glide effortlessly through the track. Avoid using petroleum-based greases, as these can break down the rubber compound over time and cause it to turn into a sticky mess.

Pro Tip 3: Prep the Fiberglass Cowl. Before setting the windshield assembly onto the body, ensure the fiberglass cowl is perfectly clean and waxed. Any grit or old adhesive left on the body will act like sandpaper against the new rubber seal as the body flexes during off-road use. A clean, waxed surface allows the seal to "grip" the body without trapping moisture or dirt, which is the leading cause of "ghost rings" or permanent staining on the fiberglass gel coat under the windshield area.