Topic: New weatherstripping advise?
in Forum: C3 For Sale/Wanted Archive
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
who makes the best weatherstripping for vette? Who has the best bang for buck? I heard that putting on new stripping on old car can cause some problem because old motor in window has to push new weather stripping
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Former Member
Send PM
Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
You have a point about the windows. I did that with my '78 and the windows drag a bit going up.
From what I understand, the problem is due to differences in the original weatherstripping and how the new stuff is made. The original was hollow internally which gives easily, allowing the window glass to press easily against it. What you buy now is all solid foam core rubber which has little give.
I've been told about the only way to get the new weatherstripping to take a set into position is to let the car sit in the heat and bright sun with all windows closed tight and then the rubber will form into a more permanent position.
As far as what brand, I believe they're all the same, so it shouldn't matter where you buy it from. I don't believe anyone makes the original factory style.
From what I understand, the problem is due to differences in the original weatherstripping and how the new stuff is made. The original was hollow internally which gives easily, allowing the window glass to press easily against it. What you buy now is all solid foam core rubber which has little give.
I've been told about the only way to get the new weatherstripping to take a set into position is to let the car sit in the heat and bright sun with all windows closed tight and then the rubber will form into a more permanent position.
As far as what brand, I believe they're all the same, so it shouldn't matter where you buy it from. I don't believe anyone makes the original factory style.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Most of the available w-stripping is made by Soft-Seal. It's some good stuff, but, as 'Slinger points out, it is made a little different. I replaced all mine on the '74 in '97, and it does take a while for it to take a "set"...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberOceanside, CA - USA
Joined: 11/19/2003
Posts: 191
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary model. Original L82 engine, 700r4 trans, edelbrock intake, thorly headers, rack&pinion steering, mono rear and front spring, MSD 6A box
I put all new weather stripping on my 78SA 4 years ago and both windows drag, and they still do after letting is sit in the sun, the passenger side drags the most and won't go all the way up if the door is closed. I think I am going to have to put new motors in. The good news is it don't leak and it improved the sound inside while driving. Guess it's a trade off. But it's worth the effort.
Former Member
Send PM
Spotsylvania, VA - USA
Joined: 1/20/2007
Posts: 293
Vette(s): 1977 Silver Coupe
Groan, This is another job I hate to Tackle.
Other advises :
Use the 3M stuff (3M adhesive remover and 3M adhesive). Be careful with this stuff, it's much stronger than it looks like. Have plenty of rags, a mask and do it in a ventilated area. Get ALL the old glue out of there before applying the new stuff. Once it's all out, you could push it a little further and clean all the area with alcohol first.
For the most part, there's nothing difficult about it, but like most other task, you just have to take your time to do it right. The lip of the t-top will be the most difficult. I suggest a little scrapper (like a curved dentist tool to get all the old glue out of there) and when you install the new weatherstrip, you don't have many chances; almost as soon as it touches the glue; it's already bonded (again, making the t-top portion a little more challenging).
I purchased my T-top, A-pillar, and rear pillar weatherstripping from
Ecklers. I agree with the importance of removing all of the old
adhesive. The 3M remover works good. Also clean the new
weatherstripping with alcohol to remove the mold release agent. The
T-top weatherstrips have alignment pins around the entire periphery
that mate with holes in the T-tops. It is not a bad job at all. Just
take your time and it will go great.
Scott
Scott
in Forum: C3 For Sale/Wanted Archive
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)