I think I need to replace the weatherstrip on my '74 coupe. T-tops are ok, look like something might have been done to them already, but the A-pillars, B-Pillars, and windows are in awful shape, and I'm in the desert (Las Vegas), so the dryness thats already there is only going to get worse.

I have a few leaks when I wash her (dont' know about the rain, haven't had her out in it).

Is it easy or hard to do? I've seen specialized removal and installation tools, do I need to get them?

While I'm at it, the driver side door spring needs replacing, is that hard or easy?

Its starting to get hot out here (94 today, 90-s through September now), so I don't want to do anythig too strenious.

Thanks,
David

 

Well, I'm currently in the process of putting the weatherstripping on my 1980. When I got the car it didn't have any weather stripping on it, except for the two windshield pillars and one rear pillar piece. The two on the windshield just peeled right off when I unscrewed the moulding from the car (not sure if it's the same way on a 74). The one rear pillar piece that was on was a pain to get off. It disintigrated off and left a layer of foam glued on. I ended up just scraping the layer of foam off with a pocket knife and some bestine (rubber cement thinner) which actually didn't do much. Maybe some of the adhesive removers sold in the catalogs and the parts stores would work.

As far as putting them on goes, I haven't had much trouble at all. Although, it's a good idea to get it right the first time because trying to peel it off can lead to a sticky mess. Test fit a bunch of times, plan out your attack, and follow the instructions on the adhesive . . . like the old saying goes "measure twice, cut once".

For the door spring, I replaced the one on my driver's side door. I couldn't figure out how to get it in with the door on, so I just popped the door off, put the spring in and realigned the door. The "special tool" I see in the catalogs looks like a bent screw driver which may work. You could probably just save the money and bend an old screw driver yourself . . .

That's my .02. :)

Goodluck :thumbs:

Matt

 

I just did all the weattherstripping on my 1980, including t-tops and it went pretty easy. I did not get any special tools as the stuff came off fairly easy. Just do one piece at a time.

My weatherstripping was so worn out that I had to adjust the strikers when I got the new stuff on. Thing really feels solid when it closes now. A lot more quiet also. I wish I had not put it off so long. They sell tubes of "weatherstrip preservative" in some auto shops. Ecklers has tubes of stuff also that costs $30 a tube. Cheaper than the wetherstripping.

I bought my weatherstripping on Ebay. Got the Metro Supersoft with the 30 year warranty. $220 for the whole kit of 9 pieces. After it was on the car for two weeks the windows started to close fairly easy. I think a new motor for the electric windows would help but the weatherstrip definitely needed a break in period.

Good luck.

David

 

Hmmm, Im still the only one to write a review, in the tech section.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/review...453&TopicID=25

After you guys get done, add something :cheers:


[Modified by Desertdawg, 1:22 AM 5/15/2003]

 

"For the door spring, I replaced the one on my driver's side door. I couldn't figure out how to get it in with the door on, so I just popped the door off, put the spring in and realigned the door. The "special tool" I see in the catalogs looks like a bent screw driver which may work. You could probably just save the money and bend an old screw driver yourself ." . .

It is just a bent screwdriver... I made mine.. You can copy from picure in catalogues. Once you see the spring installed it is a 20 second job. Unless you see it done there is a HUGE learning curve.

:banghead: :banghead:

 

Go to corvettefaq.com. There is an info page on installing the door spring in the interior sections.

Also, if you have a copy of the Eckler's Accessory catalog it gives a good picture of what the installed spring looks like.


[Modified by 6t9l4t6, 6:14 PM 5/15/2003]