Magnet

Hi everyone,

After extensive reading of previous threads on exterior upper door/window seals, I now know the exact process for my new GM door/window seals on my 1985 Corvette. My new GM window seals did not include the rivets. I do know that the diameter of the aluminum rivets is 3/16", but what is the rivets required length? There are a few rivet length variations from my research of previous threads and would like comfirmation on exactly what is correct.

Thanks in advance

Red Dwarf

This has quite a bit of info.

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/tech...dow-seals.html

Magnet

Hi Red Dwarf,
Thank you very much.
I have read the above link in my research. In the above link ""You’ll need 3/16-inch aluminum rivets with a shank that is at least 5/16 but no longer than a 3/8 inches."" I 've read in other threads different parameters and I would like to have confirmation on an exact dimension.

Red Dwarf

Can't confirm the length as it's all the info I have.

Magnet

Thanks again Red Dwarf for your link.

Always appreciated.

78pacer

I remember doing my upper door\window seals on the pacer....yikes, what a royal PITA.
Mike

cicch95

I am interested to follow along here, I have to do mine.........

Magnet

I have the original 1985 Corvette GM parts manual and there is no listing for the rivets. Also as a double check, today I went to the local GM dealer and was not able to obtain rivet size confirmation.

From researching/calculations, I purchased aluminum rivets 3/16" in diameter and a grip range of 1/4"-3/8".

After I install the door-window seals/rivets correctly, I will be able to confirm here on the corvetteforum the exact size of rivets needed from my experience.

Note 1 - my car is an 1985 and has the rivets. I cannot confirm that the newer C4s have the rivets. As a suggestion, roll your window all the way down and pull apart the outer seal away from the window slightly to see visually if there are rivets or not.

Note 2 - There is a link from a previous corvetteforum thread that has an amazing door panel and seal removal procedure.

1st87

I just did both sides on the 87. should take door panels off. makes drilling the old rivet heads easier. rivots came with new seals....took appox 1hr to complete. you may need to loosen the felt window guides also, makes window move just enough to snap in the seal...

uptown193

Go to the Corvettecentral or MidAmerica websites I believe they sell the rivets separately.

Magnet

Great intel. thanks.

It would have been nice if the rivets were included with my OEM GM seals.

joesgulfstream

Go to any good hardware store to buy rivets 3/16th 3/8th long. If you do not remove the glass it is a pita to get those clips in the hole. I removed the ones that were buried behind the glass used silicone latex adhesive in there place closed the window to hold tight till adhesive dried worked great. Adhesive might not be oem part but who the hell cares,it works

samsonb

Make sure to get aluminum rivets. Don't want them rusting.

RetiredSFC 97

yeah I got my outer seals from Wilcox and their web site said they came with rivets. open package, no rivets.

So I'll be safe to get the 3/16 3/8 size?

Midnight 85

You're only going through the thickness of the seals and the door panel, get the shortest rivets available. The most important thing is to be VERY careful drilling the holes, you are real close to the outer panel of the door. People here have accidentally went through the door by going too far. A piece of tape on the drill bit about 3/16 of an inch in is a good guide.

RetiredSFC 97

I believe the directions said that as well. But you made it more clear.

Aardwolf

I used short screws instead, very easy to change next time.

joesgulfstream

I hope there is not a next time,what a pain in the a@@

bac22

See this post, I put some useful links in it about both window seals and replacing the window stop guide. Personally, if you've got the door panel off I would replace the window stop guides as they seem to constantly break on C4's!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-far-help.html

samsonb

I think it is better to use a small rubber hose.