Weatherstriping replace
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Concord Township Ohio
Weatherstriping replace
Some of the weatherstriping on my '96 is starting to need replacement. Are there any good guides or information out there that helps with details on tools, removal, and installation ? Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I just did mine a few months ago during the hurricanes.
Most of the Vette vendors sell a tool kit for the job. They are definitely a must have. 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive, 3M Adhesive Cleaning agent, 3M Adhesive Releaser. Also locate your local professional paint and body supplier, you'll need a tube of 3M Automotive Bedding & Glazing Compound (08509). Its like a tube of caulking and use your standard caulk gun.
The weatherstrip installs like a tongue and groove. You remove the push in fasteners, its a good idea to get some new ones too. Then just peel out the old weatherstrip the releaser helps. Then you'll spend some time cleaning out all the excess material and adhesive. Once that is done, soak your new weatherstrip in a bucket of soapy water (I just used the Zaino Z7 I use to wash the car) and trial fit it. Then there is a channel that runs vertical on each side and horizontal. At the ends of each channel you apply a liberal amount of glazing compound. Then apply your adhesive in the channel. Soak the new weather strip in soapy water again. Start at one end and feed one edge of the base of the weatherstrip into the channel and press the other side into the opposite side of the strip. For example if your doing the windshield one, insert the rearward side first then work the front side in as you work your way around to the opposite end. Insert new fasteners and your done. You'll have time to work with it some, and you want to make sure you get it all set in evenly. Otherwise once it does dry its in there.
I also recommend buying the GM brand, Chris at Superior can give you good pricing.
You spend probably a couple hours getting the old weatherstrip out and cleaning it all up. That is for each segment. Installing the new strip doesn't take too long though, it goes pretty quickly. If its a coupe the rear pillar is a lot easier than the front windshield only because its not as long and as much to manipulate.
Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. Good luck.
Most of the Vette vendors sell a tool kit for the job. They are definitely a must have. 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive, 3M Adhesive Cleaning agent, 3M Adhesive Releaser. Also locate your local professional paint and body supplier, you'll need a tube of 3M Automotive Bedding & Glazing Compound (08509). Its like a tube of caulking and use your standard caulk gun.
The weatherstrip installs like a tongue and groove. You remove the push in fasteners, its a good idea to get some new ones too. Then just peel out the old weatherstrip the releaser helps. Then you'll spend some time cleaning out all the excess material and adhesive. Once that is done, soak your new weatherstrip in a bucket of soapy water (I just used the Zaino Z7 I use to wash the car) and trial fit it. Then there is a channel that runs vertical on each side and horizontal. At the ends of each channel you apply a liberal amount of glazing compound. Then apply your adhesive in the channel. Soak the new weather strip in soapy water again. Start at one end and feed one edge of the base of the weatherstrip into the channel and press the other side into the opposite side of the strip. For example if your doing the windshield one, insert the rearward side first then work the front side in as you work your way around to the opposite end. Insert new fasteners and your done. You'll have time to work with it some, and you want to make sure you get it all set in evenly. Otherwise once it does dry its in there.
I also recommend buying the GM brand, Chris at Superior can give you good pricing.
You spend probably a couple hours getting the old weatherstrip out and cleaning it all up. That is for each segment. Installing the new strip doesn't take too long though, it goes pretty quickly. If its a coupe the rear pillar is a lot easier than the front windshield only because its not as long and as much to manipulate.
Let me know if this helps and if you have any other questions. Good luck.
