A Pillar and Header weatherstripping Install PT1
01-05-2009, 08:46 PM
#1
Tech Contributor
Thread Starter
A Pillar and Header weatherstripping Install PT1
Hello fellow forum Members. I started the first of many new years projects on my ZR-1. Along the way I took a few photos to share to help fellow members who are considering doing the same weatherstripping project. My Windshield header weatherstripping (WS) and side pillars were showing their age and were cracked in some areas and torn. On the front above the center of the windshield I had a significant crack in the original weather stripping that would allow air noise at 70mph into the cabin. Just enough to annoy me and all things considered I probably could have black RTVed it but I figured after 18 years of faithful service it was time to replace the factory originals.
I used GM replacements and the fit was excellent. (please no comments or debates on what the best weatherstripping products are) I used Wilcox for my rear hatch and that appears to be holding well. The rear hatch product from wilcox has stonger reinforced corners than the GM original had. I had never replaced the front header or side pillars before so hopefully somebody considering the project will learn something from my project.
First up I bought the Madvet weatherstripping 4 tool set which im my opnion made the job easier. The claw tool is excellent for removing the ws button clips in the lower door section and the upper corners. The scrapers and the pick tool were good for removing that pesky weatherstripping glue out of the channels. Lasty the tools are small and easily fit in your hand to get the job done. Heres a pic of the tools. Now remove the blue 15AMP INST fuse from the passenger fuse panel (saves the battery) Remove the top then open the doors and get to work !
Heres a pic of the work area
Heres a pic of the WS retaining clips, Two small clips fit in the lower door areas and the one larger/longer clips into the upper corners. Total of 6 for the entire project. The claw tool works great on these and doesnt damage them so you can reuse them.
Heres the WS upper corners locations, they simply push in
After removing the old WS (dont worry it will come out in about 1000 pieces lol) its time to scrape out the glue and old weatherstripping remnents. The angle chisel tool and pick tool work well in these areas. Take your time and clean the channel out completely. Also when removing the old WS be careful as the WS has a metal reinforcement wire inside of it. It would be easy to jab yourself if your not careful when working with the channel tools. As the WS starts to pull apart you will see it.
Heres what you looking for a total clean out of the uchannel on the top of the window frame. You will noticed that paint will come away from the center of the channel with the old glue. Heres an angle shot of the side of the channel. The more time you take to clean the area out the easier the reinstall. Dont worry about the paint loss as the new WS sits on top of it. The glue tends to be retained next to the install pins and bolts that the metal channel bolts too. Use the pick and go slow.
I used GM replacements and the fit was excellent. (please no comments or debates on what the best weatherstripping products are) I used Wilcox for my rear hatch and that appears to be holding well. The rear hatch product from wilcox has stonger reinforced corners than the GM original had. I had never replaced the front header or side pillars before so hopefully somebody considering the project will learn something from my project.
First up I bought the Madvet weatherstripping 4 tool set which im my opnion made the job easier. The claw tool is excellent for removing the ws button clips in the lower door section and the upper corners. The scrapers and the pick tool were good for removing that pesky weatherstripping glue out of the channels. Lasty the tools are small and easily fit in your hand to get the job done. Heres a pic of the tools. Now remove the blue 15AMP INST fuse from the passenger fuse panel (saves the battery) Remove the top then open the doors and get to work !
Heres a pic of the work area
Heres a pic of the WS retaining clips, Two small clips fit in the lower door areas and the one larger/longer clips into the upper corners. Total of 6 for the entire project. The claw tool works great on these and doesnt damage them so you can reuse them.
Heres the WS upper corners locations, they simply push in
After removing the old WS (dont worry it will come out in about 1000 pieces lol) its time to scrape out the glue and old weatherstripping remnents. The angle chisel tool and pick tool work well in these areas. Take your time and clean the channel out completely. Also when removing the old WS be careful as the WS has a metal reinforcement wire inside of it. It would be easy to jab yourself if your not careful when working with the channel tools. As the WS starts to pull apart you will see it.
Heres what you looking for a total clean out of the uchannel on the top of the window frame. You will noticed that paint will come away from the center of the channel with the old glue. Heres an angle shot of the side of the channel. The more time you take to clean the area out the easier the reinstall. Dont worry about the paint loss as the new WS sits on top of it. The glue tends to be retained next to the install pins and bolts that the metal channel bolts too. Use the pick and go slow.
Last edited by Goldcylon; 01-05-2009 at 09:43 PM.
01-06-2009, 06:52 PM
#4
Tech Contributor
Thread Starter
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...triping%20tols
Last edited by Goldcylon; 01-06-2009 at 06:54 PM.
01-06-2009, 09:44 PM
#8
Team Owner
Member Since: May 2000
Location: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
Posts: 47,880
Received 4,504 Likes
on
3,589 Posts
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Nice!
12-04-2012, 01:54 PM
#11
Tech Contributor
Thread Starter
