K.C.E.

1994 Coupe - A-Pillar;

1. Removing old weatherstripping. It did not come out nicely and there is quite a bit of old material still glued to channel. What is a safe recommended solvent for removing old stuff.

2. Interior trim - Is it necessary to remove the interior trim around the windshield? The old weatherstripping seems to come out nicely from the trim. Can I just tuck the new weatherstrip material into the interior trim? Or should the trim be removed?

Joe C

this is the solvent I've used --



I would avoid using anything metal tooling to tuck the new weather stripping under any interior trim. I've used plastic putty knives in the past - seemed to work OK. if you can get it under the trim without removing it, that's good. if not, just remove the trim - plain and simple. I've found, that weather stripping is something not to be rushed.

jpipx

There is also a spray can version that works really well too. You need to be sure and get as much of the bulk material out before applying the solvent.

ryank9398

May also be called acetone. Mineral spirits, paint thinner, even rubbing alcohol also will work.

HAD2HAV2

Do not use acetone........

Joe C

- the channels that hold and secure the WS are painted black. acetone and (lacquer) thinner most likely will remove the finish. I don't know about rubbing alcohol, but I doubt that it will cut through the adhesive. the 3M product shown, or any variety of prep-solvents would be a better choice.

MAD IN NC

3M adhesive remover. $11.99 per can. All auto stores have it... spray be patient and scour

Dt86

That is what I used. A can goes a long way. I did the b-pillar, rear hatch and door main seals and I've still got half a can left.

WVZR-1

The real nasty gray stuff at the rear hatch weather-strip(on my '90) I was advised to NOT remove when I did mine back in '04 or so. I left it there because I was told to and ain't never looked back. I've never regretted it and what portion of it happened to get smeared onto the painted areas I used the 3M product that's been pictured. Before I used the 3M stuff I had previously used a product in green/black/white can just like it, I had tried to buy more from the same body supplier and was told it wasn't available any longer and he handed me the 3M.

I believe the green/black/white can was called NACTO or NATCO and was a fabric cleaner.

bac22

I bought these Trim And Molding Tool Set 5 Pc to help with removing some of the residual material after applying the 3M cleaner. They are made of plastic so won't damage stuff when scrapping.
https://www.harborfreight.com/automo...set-67021.html

Joe C

K.C.E.

Short story......I am now down to bare metal on the channels that hold the WS. I was going to prime and paint them before installing new WS.

I cannot tell what type of metal the channel is made of.....aluminum? Stainless? I need to know before painting.

Anybody know?

jpipx

That's one reason why I keep a magnet handy. It will help to determine if the metal is ferrous or not, and then a scratch test will help to determine if it is aluminum or stainless.

bigdaddy33

[QUOTE=Joe C;1595730764]this is the solvent I've used --



Is it safe to use or will it damage paint??