Weatherstrip Replacement Questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 897
Likes: 12
From: Land of Whiskey Rebels, PA
Weatherstrip Replacement Questions
As I stated in Dr.Huxtable's thread, I am going to replace the weatherstripping around the header and the soft top of my '90.
While reading the Factory Service Manual, it says I need:
a) "Windshield Reveal Molding Sealing Tape",
b) "Thumb Grade Sealer".
Does anyone know what these are and where to purchase them? They are not listed in the kits I will be ordering, nor are they listed in any of the catalogs (Corvette Central, Corvette America, MidAmerica) separately.
Could someone please educate me on this? Thanks.
While reading the Factory Service Manual, it says I need:
a) "Windshield Reveal Molding Sealing Tape",
b) "Thumb Grade Sealer".
Does anyone know what these are and where to purchase them? They are not listed in the kits I will be ordering, nor are they listed in any of the catalogs (Corvette Central, Corvette America, MidAmerica) separately.
Could someone please educate me on this? Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Indian Trail NC
I am getting ready to replace my weatherstripping that I just ordered from Willcox. I read the same things from the FSM. Didn't understand them either, so hope someone gives you some guidance so I can understand too :-)
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Shrub Oak NY
weatherstripping suppies
I replaced all my weatherstripping with a Willcox latex set. I bought the GM C4 weatherstrip training video on e-bay. the video was great to have. I watched it a few times then stopped and started it while doing the work - I woud run inside - play a little of the tape then go out & do that part, etc.
The adhesive remover you need is 3M 08984 general purpose adhesive cleaner. The thumb grade sealant is 3M 08578 strip-calk, also called dum-dum in body shops - it's like strips of black tar that never harden. The sealant tape - the thin wide black tape that was under my weatherstrip retainers I could not find - anywhere. I did find 3M 08476 7/8" green seam sealer tape which is what I used.
The sealer tape seals the metal retainers to the body then you use 3M black weatherstrip adhesive to seal the weatherstrip into the retainers. The black is diferent from the yelow in that it dries slower, giving you time to move it around some. A lot of people say not to glue the weatherstrip into the retainers. I decided to do what the GM training video said to do so I used the adhesive. I can say that the way I did it resultled in no leaks when tested as shown in the video.
The adhesive remover you need is 3M 08984 general purpose adhesive cleaner. The thumb grade sealant is 3M 08578 strip-calk, also called dum-dum in body shops - it's like strips of black tar that never harden. The sealant tape - the thin wide black tape that was under my weatherstrip retainers I could not find - anywhere. I did find 3M 08476 7/8" green seam sealer tape which is what I used.
The sealer tape seals the metal retainers to the body then you use 3M black weatherstrip adhesive to seal the weatherstrip into the retainers. The black is diferent from the yelow in that it dries slower, giving you time to move it around some. A lot of people say not to glue the weatherstrip into the retainers. I decided to do what the GM training video said to do so I used the adhesive. I can say that the way I did it resultled in no leaks when tested as shown in the video.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Shrub Oak NY
I had all the retainers out because I was having the car painted. You can probably leave the retainers in if they are still sealed well. here's some pictures:
Sealant tape applied to the back of a retainer
Thumb sealer applied to the end of a retainer
Sealant tape applied to the back of a retainer
Thumb sealer applied to the end of a retainer
Last edited by ProjectC4; Feb 21, 2012 at 08:03 PM.
