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I will have to change couple of weatherstrips on my 69 coupe and would like to know your recommandation in term of brand as it seems there are a lot on the market. So I will really value your experience. thanks
Melrose T-tops Co (Illinois) has really good weatherstrip that I bought from them, and it's excellent. I bought a set of bare fiberglass tops I wanted new gaskets for. I asked the guy at Melrose which one was the preferred weatherstrip. At the time they sold two types. He set me up with what he said was the better of the two. At the time it was in the same price ballpark as the catalog sellers. There (at that time at least) you could really talk to them and get their opinion on the right product. They're not too far away and I bought a new set of tops and other parts from them back during the great recession when times were tough and people weren't buying much.
I mainly didn't want to go through the usual run-around on weatherstrip because catalog sellers claim their seals are "Premium" and "Same suppleness as original" when some weatherstrip is hard as a rock! Why don't they say, "This weatherstrip sucks, but it's cheap" and "This is good but not durable."? Then ya have to send back bad weatherstrip and try again ...*if* it's in stock. I previously bought a set of "Super Supple" t-top weatherstrip in a gasket set and they were terrible stiff.
Melrose are the T-top people and their weather strip is nice and OEM-like.
Melrose T-tops Co (Illinois) has really good weatherstrip that I bought from them, and it's excellent. I bought a set of bare fiberglass tops I wanted new gaskets for. I asked the guy at Melrose which one was the preferred weatherstrip. At the time they sold two types. He set me up with what he said was the better of the two. At the time it was in the same price ballpark as the catalog sellers. There (at that time at least) you could really talk to them and get their opinion on the right product. They're not too far away and I bought a new set of tops and other parts from them back during the great recession when times were tough and people weren't buying much.
I mainly didn't want to go through the usual run-around on weatherstrip because catalog sellers claim their seals are "Premium" and "Same suppleness as original" when some weatherstrip is hard as a rock! Why don't they say, "This weatherstrip sucks, but it's cheap" and "This is good but not durable."? Then ya have to send back bad weatherstrip and try again ...*if* it's in stock. I previously bought a set of "Super Supple" t-top weatherstrip in a gasket set and they were terrible stiff. Melrose are the T-top people and their weather strip is nice and OEM-like.
I see Melrose also sells door/window weatherstrips now. You might call them and inquire about them. Ask about the grade, etc. Back then (years ago) I had a few conversations with them suggesting they consider selling door/window weatherstrip too. But only the 'good stuff'. Because if guys are buying T-top weatherstrip, they need the doors to fig 'right' as well. And there are just too many false weatherstrip claims (and crappy product). I'm suprised nobody has bent up heater hose and called it factory-like weatherstrip! I suggested they only sell the product they would put on their car, not the crap. I haven't tried their door & pillar weatherstrips but I hope it's nice.
I have a set of NOS GM side and A-pillar weatherstrips in boxes never been in UV, so I know what OEM-grade actually feels like and what isn't close. And most guys here who grew up with GM cars know too.
At one time the premium weatherstripping was made of latex. Corvette Central sells weatherstripping that they claim is better than latex, although they sell latex also.
The good weatherstripping is very soft and pliable. I have two sets. One is very soft, they other is firmer. I won't dare mention who I bought the good stuff from. I don't think he's in business anymore anyhow.
Just a tip I recently learned from Steel Rubber video about weatherstrip adhesive while doing my t tops. Put a thin layer on the rubber and the fiberglass ( or metal) and spread it out evenly, like with a coffee stirrer stick or something. Let it get dry to the touch. Then repeat on one side only. Spread it out and put in place before it dries. It will almost instantly bond so make sure you know exactly where you want it. You won't need any tape or extra finger to hold it in place until it dries. Like I said, make sure you know where it is going before you put the 2 pieces together, it works that fast. Look for the video if you can. It's with Dennis the handlebar mustache guy. This old dog learned a new trick.
Just a tip I recently learned from Steel Rubber video about weatherstrip adhesive while doing my t tops. Put a thin layer on the rubber and the fiberglass ( or metal) and spread it out evenly, like with a coffee stirrer stick or something. Let it get dry to the touch. Then repeat on one side only. Spread it out and put in place before it dries. It will almost instantly bond so make sure you know exactly where you want it. You won't need any tape or extra finger to hold it in place until it dries. Like I said, make sure you know where it is going before you put the 2 pieces together, it works that fast. Look for the video if you can. It's with Dennis the handlebar mustache guy. This old dog learned a new trick.
indeed, I've seen the video....might explain why the weatherstrip on the right side of my T Top is swinging....
I will have to change couple of weatherstrips on my 69 coupe and would like to know your recommandation in term of brand as it seems there are a lot on the market. So I will really value your experience. thanks
I recently purchased the entire weatherstrip and seal kit for the 73 that went through an entire repaint. The seals and weatherstrip all fit real nice and sealed good. No issues at all. Great technical support when needed. I'd buy from them again!
I recently purchased the entire weatherstrip and seal kit for the 73 that went through an entire repaint. The seals and weatherstrip all fit real nice and sealed good. No issues at all. Great technical support when needed. I'd buy from them again!
I purchased the entire weatherstrip kit from either Corvette Rubber Company directly from their website or from Paragon. Sorry I do not recall exactly.
I've added a few more pictures of my weatherstrip installation. Hopefully it helps.
I purchased the entire weatherstrip kit from either Corvette Rubber Company directly from their website or from Paragon. Sorry I do not recall exactly.
I've added a few more pictures of my weatherstrip installation. Hopefully it helps.
Best of Luck
PutTogether
really nice. thks for the picture. just saw Paragon is/was acquired by Corvette Central....where I can find Corvette Rubber components.
I would suggest contacting Corvette Central since they purchased Paragon. They can help you get a good quality weatherstrip kit like the one produce by Corvette Rubber Company.
Good Luck!
PutTogether
You can purchase weatherstripping directly from Corvette Rubber Company. I recommend their weatherstripping, I used their weatherstripping on my 1970, it’s wearing well so far. https://corvette-rubber.com/
Did all the weatherstripping on my 73 some time ago. Purchased from Wilcox and everything fit perfectly. Local classic car restorer told me to only use EDPM rubber weatherstripping as it lasts a lot longer than natural rubber.
weatherstripping choice
I suggested they only sell the product they would put on their car, not the crap. I haven't tried their door & pillar weatherstrips but I hope it's nice.
