5.elements

So, I am going to be starting down the road of replacing the weatherstripping on my 69. I am going to start with the worst and work through one area at a time rather than doing it all at once. Some of the reasoning is money related and some is time.

I am planning on starting with the worst areas which cause the car issues with washes and is possibly the easiest (from what I have ready): the windshield pillar. I have found only a couple of howto's for it though. I am wondering if anyone has a good howto for it or any suggestions before I even order parts.

The list right now is:

the actual weather stripping
3m adhesive remover
3m adhesive

I don't think I will need anything else unless I have to replace the original screws.

Am I correct with the pillar, there are two screws (one top, one bottom) and it just pulls out? Clean the adhesive left over, test fit the new piece, apply adhesive and put it in? Is it really that easy?

I will probably do the rear door window strip next. Any gotchas with that?

TedH

A very worthwhile repair. As you indicated, removing the screws, scraping/preping the surface and applying the appropriate amount of 3m adhesive will make it an easy repair. I did both the front and rear door pillars together then the weather stripping that wraps around the doors and then the t-top weather stripping. Then, finally, the hood seal. After 20 years, it is still like new. I believe I purchased all from Willcox.

Alan 71

Hi 5.,
There are just a couple of manufacturers of weatherstrip for 68-82 cars.
Many folks write that they have had success with the weatherstrip made by Corvette Rubber Company (CRC).
You might want to shop around to determine who is selling what and also to compare prices.
I believe Willcox sells the CRC weatherstrip and often has it on sale.

Test fit very carefully BEFORE you apply the adhesive so you end up with the strip exactly where it needs to be.
Don't stretch it while installing it.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

5.elements

Does anyone know which brand Zip sells?

Alan 71

Hi 5,
You're going to need to call them.
The catalogue is proud to state it's made in North America, but doesn't say by whom.
Regards,
Alan

5.elements

I should have been paying better attention: Corvette Rubber is the manufacturer. It's shown on the zip pages near the title of the part name.

marshal135

Just did a passenger side outer T-top strip on my 68 coupe.
Remove clean well area, wiped off with mineral spirits, watch Acetone near painted surfaces, allow to dry.
Grab a smoke.
Place a fine bead of 3M black adhesive on the mounting surface after careful placement location has been established.
Place a fine bead on the back of the weather striping.
Walk away smoke break again.
About 20 min later if adhesive as started to crust over or set up,
now place a very small amount of adhesive( activator coating) on the mounting surface
then place weather stripping in place. If its a long run work in 12 " increments as it will get all over the place.
CRC through Wilcox, Doc Rebuild rates the best today.
Marshal

Tooch1

If you want the original factory look, use the Yellow GM Adhesive. They really slopped it on with a brush at the factory and it is clearly visible but it's really hard NOT to be really neat when your replacing the WS now. Most don't like the sloppy look! Especially after you spend so much time removing the old adhesive and prepping for the new.
Have fun!
Tooch

Duke94

I used masking tape on the edge that shows so I wouldn't slop the adhesive all over.

5.elements

Question: trying to see if I should cleanup the a pillar retainers and/or replace them or just leave them as is. The little black clip is discolored by rust. (I still haven't ordered anything or started removing anything since the car is in storage while we redo our flooring in the house. Needed room in the garage for furniture)

kansas123

I agree 100% on test fit; almost as important as the quality of the weatherstrip itself. I know that when and if I replace the w/s on my TTops (again), I will absolutely glue down the front top corner first, where the front edge and top edge of the window meet. And I will let it set up for days to make sure it stays put before going the rest of the way around the top. For me that will be key for that w/s. Don't ask me how I know..... Good luck with your project!