Fubar1052

Weatherstrip Repair with Pictures
Alright, this is my take on fixing the weatherstrip on my/ your vette. Yes, I know that this may be a bit of a Bubba fix but if you are like me and can’t shell out hundreds of bucks to fix this stuff, this will at least greatly improve the situation until you can save up for the expensive fix….or not, depending on how much patience you have. I’m sure that there are many different ways to do this but this was the best that I could come up with for a cheap fix and using tools that I had around the house. Here we go…
Tools for the job
I looked around for a while and tried some different things as experiments but after spending some money and time on some messy alternatives, this “Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant” was by far the best thing that I had found. (also recommended by some other members for multiple uses) The paint brushes helped to work the silicone into some of the more delicate places and the squeegee was a life saver. (I got this one from putting a protective screen on my cell phone, but I’m sure other ones would work just as good). If you can find a rubber one, it’s kinda nice to be able to cut it to the contours of the stock weatherstrip. You’ll see later. And an exacto knife.



The driver side was the worst of my weatherstrip and also the biggest eyesore so I’m using this side as the main fix example but also did some on the passenger side above the windshield. Make sure to use an exacto knife or razor blade to cut away anything that may get in the way of you smoothing out your final product. Anything inside the rips or gaps should be ok.


Fill up the gaps just slightly above the level of the existing weatherstriping and smooth it out. You can smooth out the 1st coat pretty much after you get finished applying it since this probably isn’t going to be the last coat. (depending on your damage) IMPORTANT: On final coat, let the silicone set up for about 10-15 minutes after applying. This lets you be able to work with it a little easier than having to spread liquid goo.



Below is the result of the 1st coat. Don’t freak out if it doesn’t turn out very good. The next coats will fill in the spots that are low and will give you a chance to spread it out in a nice even finish. Like I said earlier, the more patience you have, the better you can get this to look. TAKE YOUR TIME!

2nd Coat
*IMPORTANT Keep in mind that your window will need to be able to go up and down also, so make sure to check on the thickness of your silicone before applying.


1st Coat on the windshield. I used a piece of plastic to keep the gap between the silicone and the windshield. It slides out easy after it dries. This is also where I cut the squeegee to shape the silicone.


Result of First coat


2nd coat


Finished Products!



Before and After Driver Side



Like I said, this is a temporary fix that will get you through until you can save up for replacement weatherstripping. But if you take your time, and are feeling like doing a project, I believe that the final product was well worth the time and especially the minimal investment. Feel free to PM me if you run into any problems or would like any tips. I hope this helps out some financially challenged C4 owners like myself. Later!!

1993C4LT1

That's worth it. Might have to try it on my '93.

nathanours

Awesome, I'll have to do this as well on a few spots. Where did you buy the black silicon stuff?

jgalfo

great JOB!

thanks for the info

John

Bobby Joe

I have a leak on both corners above my windshield. I found where in the strip it is...I gotta try this out!!!

Fubar1052

I'm pretty sure I got it at o'reilys but you can find it most autozone type etc...stores. Pretty good stuff.

professorX

Nice job man I give you props for thinking outside the box and I have to say from the pics it looks like it turned out ok. Let us know how that stuff holds out in the elements.

kimmer

looks good, how does it hold up in the hot sun, does it get sticky.

Fubar1052

Thanks! This stuff really is pretty bulletproof. It stays good and flexible while not getting soft in the sun. I have had the car outside in the heat and it hasn't changed. It has been a little cooler here lately but wih 95ish degree temps yesterday, it held up good.

mickey5

Isn't this the same stuff you can get at Home Depot...comes in white, black and clear. It comes in waterproof, inside and outside uses. Couple of bucks for a big tube.

bolowbc

Did you stop/fix any leaks, or was it mainly for appearance?

ejscarfo

Someone told me to do this as well on the weatherstripping on the halo in my 85. Only the driver's side on mine is a bit torn, the passenger side looks good. I think I will try this myself. I always have a tube of black silicone lying around in the garage.

PLRX

mrmtrtrnd

I like this fix for small areas. I don't have any leaks so I don't want to change the weather strip but have some spots that look kind of bad. This could be the answer for these spots that drive me crazy every time I see them.

Klondike

I have used the same stuff on mine and it works great! Before I started my project, I cleaned my strips really good with some 70% isopropol alcohol and some micro fiber towels.( It's really gross how much crud is embedded in that stuff that you can't see, till you go to clean it.) I think being clean & dry helps the silicone get down in the little "rot holes", stick to the old rubber, and smooth out better. I work with credit cards so I have a bunch of them handy for spreaders. Kind of like sculpting with sticky clay, but the results are worth the effort. If your weather strip is just a little old but mostly still together, it makes it almost like new.
Just don't put your windows up or put anything against it for a few hours or it will stick to it. The finished fix is tough and you have to really look close to see it if you spread it smoothly.

mazdaverx7

how well does it seal against wind noise?

Cruisinfanatic

you haven't checked prices in the last 10 yrs

mazdaverx7

you can get these at napa or advance auto for around $5 per tube. Permatex is the brand most parts stores stock and its an excellent sealant!

Mexc4

Once you have the silicone/ adhesive bead in place, wet your thumb or finger to smooth the surface. The silicone is pushed into the cracks, and is totally smooth as a result. Don't press too hard, or use too much each time. A second layer is easier than taking it all off and starting over.

My look like new, and this job takes half an hour to redo doors and windows.

Fubar1052

If you can believe it, the places I fixed were actually spots that didn't leak, but I wouldn't have any reservations about using that stuff for any leaking areas as well. I used it mainly for appearance reasons since that spot always annoyed me when I walked up to my driverside door. This stuff is awesome for small fixes but will definetly take a little more time if you are filling up a gap like the one on my driverside!