weatherstrip breakingdown
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
weatherstrip breakingdown
I had the weatherstrip on my 95 that runs across the front of my targa and down the windows replaced about 5 years ago by my local Chevy dealer. They are now in as bad a shape now as they were when they was replaced. Is there a product that I can use to keep them from breaking down so quickly. I can't believe it is typical for these to crack and crumble in my hand like this. The only time I saw this was on a 72 Malibu in a junk yard.
Last edited by hershell973; Apr 20, 2010 at 10:31 AM. Reason: typo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,553
Likes: 3
I heard you can use GE11 sealant to do a temp repair. I have bought a tube and will use on my old DD to test results this weekend. If OK, Ill use on my pass side, on the vert top window...old and cracking and leaks like a ****.
I'll post pics of the "try" if ya want.
Did you ever use conditioner on the strips?
I'll post pics of the "try" if ya want.
Did you ever use conditioner on the strips?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 1,305
From: Windermere FL
It does not matter what you try to do to preserve the crapola GM Vette Weatherstripping. It is an obomination that on Chevy's premier car they have the gaul to come out with this sh*t. I am just amazed that no aftermarket company has yet come out with a durable replacement. The aftermarket is just as crappy, and often does not properly fit.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I heard you can use GE11 sealant to do a temp repair. I have bought a tube and will use on my old DD to test results this weekend. If OK, Ill use on my pass side, on the vert top window...old and cracking and leaks like a ****.
I'll post pics of the "try" if ya want.
Did you ever use conditioner on the strips?
I'll post pics of the "try" if ya want.
Did you ever use conditioner on the strips?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
It does not matter what you try to do to preserve the crapola GM Vette Weatherstripping. It is an obomination that on Chevy's premier car they have the gaul to come out with this sh*t. I am just amazed that no aftermarket company has yet come out with a durable replacement. The aftermarket is just as crappy, and often does not properly fit.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Laredo TX
damn, my weather strips were replaced last year, STILL LEAKS LIKE A ****!
It feels like I drove my car off a bridge and into the ocean with so much water coming in!!
I hate the rain...Hate my weatherstrips more.
It feels like I drove my car off a bridge and into the ocean with so much water coming in!!
I hate the rain...Hate my weatherstrips more.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 3
From: Brampton ON
GM suggests you use dielectric grease, I am currently using this on my fresh install, but I have talked to some bimmer guys and they suggest using Gummi Pflege.. Do a google search, maybe what you're looking for..
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,553
Likes: 3
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,065
Likes: 215
From: Epping NH
Tell me about it...gets my gall when I look at the weatherstripping on my 89 RX-7 and it still looks brand new while the weatherstripping on my 96 Vette doesn't look like it has much life left to it!
Although considering mine is still original, guess I shouldn't complain too much considering the OP only made it 5 years with his replacement, but I'm going to have to replace mine soon...bummer to hear that after-market isn't any better
!
Although considering mine is still original, guess I shouldn't complain too much considering the OP only made it 5 years with his replacement, but I'm going to have to replace mine soon...bummer to hear that after-market isn't any better
!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 28
From: Ottawa, Ontario
It had a few leaks as everything settled in. We took it back a number of times and had ALL the leaks fixed. They had to shim out the seals in a number of places until the leaks stopped.
They were very good about it.....we got the sense that is a normal process for replacement seals.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 3
From: Newark, New Jersey
I use the sil-glide from Napa every winter when I put my car away for the season. I liberally apply it to all the weatherstripping on the car. Hopefully it prolongs the life of it. It does make it easy to remove the targa in the spring.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 2
From: Prather, California -1990 ZR-1 White/Flame Red- -SOLD!!-
The weatherstrip on our C4's (the stock stuff) is some type of foam covered with a VERY thin layer of rubber. Which apparently breaks down after several years of exposure to the elements.
They should have made them with actual rubber, not foam. The weatherstripping (still the original stuff) on my '97 F-150 is made like a hollow rubber tube (not solid foam) and it is still in very good condition.
If some aftermarket company could come up with a better performing weatherstrip for the C4 Corvette that didn't break down & worked well for a decent price, they would probably make a lot of money.
They should have made them with actual rubber, not foam. The weatherstripping (still the original stuff) on my '97 F-150 is made like a hollow rubber tube (not solid foam) and it is still in very good condition.
If some aftermarket company could come up with a better performing weatherstrip for the C4 Corvette that didn't break down & worked well for a decent price, they would probably make a lot of money.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 0
I just put Lonestar latex A&B piller on my 95 it fit perfect. I did not glue it anywhere,I think that is part of the problem with cracking. GM glued the **** out of it it can not move so if it dries out some it can do nothing but crack.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 23
From: Bowling Green KY
Correct - dielectric grease won't fix old weatherstripping but this is the way to go for protecting it. A little dab will do ya' for a long time
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Once the damage is done, it's unfortunately too late.
But, to keep weatherstrip nice, soft and supple for years, stop by your local plumbing supply or hardware store and pick up a tube of Pool & Spa Lube. It works great.
But, to keep weatherstrip nice, soft and supple for years, stop by your local plumbing supply or hardware store and pick up a tube of Pool & Spa Lube. It works great.
