Outer Window Seal Installation
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Maryland
Outer Window Seal Installation
Is there a "how to" on the best way to replace the outer window seals on an 89? I have bought the seals and I am wondering if there are any "gotchas" or short cuts to their installation. Any information would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 664
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Florida
I used the Ecklers kit today and it looks great. I also borrowed a friends rivit gun and got all 3 rivits in perfect. I removed the inner door panel as the instructions state. It's not that hard, but I don't see how you could do this job w/ the door panel still on.
The only thing I would like to add is: The old seal does not come out as easily as I thought it would. I had to use pliers to pull it up and out...but be very careful pulling the old seal out because I almost scratched my paint with the old rusty retaining clips. In fact two of the clips came off the old seal and stayed put. I had to go in with needle nose pliers to wiggle the two stragglers....but again....be extra careful not to scratch your paint. Good luck!!
The only thing I would like to add is: The old seal does not come out as easily as I thought it would. I had to use pliers to pull it up and out...but be very careful pulling the old seal out because I almost scratched my paint with the old rusty retaining clips. In fact two of the clips came off the old seal and stayed put. I had to go in with needle nose pliers to wiggle the two stragglers....but again....be extra careful not to scratch your paint. Good luck!!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 473
Likes: 8
From: Shreveport LA
I did my driver's side last week! I concur about getting the outer seal out without scratching the paint. Its truly an exercise in patience. I'm going to have to have the tint on my driver's side window replaced though. I had to loosen the felt bumpers and pull the glass tight to the inside to get at that rear rivet and I ended up gouging the tint on that sharp metal plate inside the rear part of the door. In hindsight I should have slipped a piece of t-shirt in there to protect the tint.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 53
From: Philadelphia Pa
my only other suggestion would be to use an over size drill bit to drill off the head of the rivets, then push the remaining shanks in and let them drop into the door. This way you won't drill through the rivet and the outer door panel.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
The easiest way I have found to remove pop rivets, assuming there is room to do it this way, is to use the correct size bit and move the drill through a range of different angles instead of going straight on. It will pop the head off the rivet quickly without going through the hole at all. It will also prevent the rivet from spinning. The shank can then be disposed of with a pin punch. A sharp drill bit is essential.
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