hershell973

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.

Jamesnns

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?

Flame Red

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.

hershell973

I used Armorall from time to time but even if I used nothing I feel like I should have gotten more than 5 years before it starter cracking.

hershell973

I agree why put such s**t on the Vette. I also own a 91 Fire Bird with t-tops and the original seals are in no way the shape that the Vette is.

L98RedVette

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.

Jamesnns

Yeah, I hear ya.
You'd "think" they'd have a good replacement by now.

jimgiggles

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..

Jamesnns

Sounds like a lung congestion problem............

jimgiggles

lol, you can also try sil-glyde (765-1351) from NAPA, it is very inexpensive, maybe worth a shot for $5/tube

bac22

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 !

FireRoc

A year or two ago we had all the weathdrstripping proferssionaly replaced on the wife's '94 Vette.

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.

jon0108

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.

bdw18_123

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.

joesgulfstream

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.

DVNCI

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

onedef92

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.