another C1 weatherstip question

[Garry Barnes]

Do any of you guys know the name of the original manufacturer for the weatherstrip that was used on 1953 to 1958 corvettes? This would be the manufacturer that used the diamond S logo that was molded into the rubber. Any leads would be a huge help. Thanks.
Garry

[Garry Barnes]

Re: another C1 weatherstip question

Uh, that should be weatherstRip. But you knew that didn't you?

[Joe L.]

Re: another C1 weatherstip question

Garry-----

Most of GM's weatherstrip was manufactured either internally by the Inland Division or, externally, by Sheller Corporation. I strongly suspect the manufacturer's ID you have to be Sheller. In the mid-60's Sheller merged with another company and became Sheller-Globe

As far as I know, Sheller-Globe is still in business. However, I think that they are under a new name now. I think that it may be under the United Technologies "corporate umbrella".

Sheller-Globe (or, whatever it's called now) is a MANUFACTURING entity; NOT a wholesaler or retailer of parts. You could never purchase parts from them and I doubt that you could now. At least, you can't if you're not interested in purchasing a minimum production run of, perhaps, 50,000 pieces + set-up charge. If you are, then you can probably get the C1 weatherstrip you're after, produced on the original tooling.

[Joseph T.]

Re: another C1 weatherstip question

Joe

How about this one? Who made the handful of 37 1/2 gallon steel gas tanks for the cars in the SR program in 1956? Were they shop made or through a division of somoeone like United Technologies?

[Joe L.]

Re: another C1 weatherstip question

Joe-----

That I don't know. However, I strongly suspect that they were shop-made. This could have been done at GM's own internal prototype parts fabrication shops, the prototype parts fabrication shop of one of the major automotive suppliers, or by a small, independent prototype fabrication shop that had a more-or-less regular business relationship with GM for manufacturing "small run" parts needs. In this case, I would sort of expect the latter.

[Bernard M.]

Re: another C1 weatherstip question

Joe,
My father-in-law is retired from Sheller-Globe. He worked at their Keokuk, IA plant from 1946 to 1987. The plant still operates under another name, I can't remember what it is. I've inquired of him about their using the diamond-s logo and he doesn't think it's a Sheller trademark. He suggested it might be a trademark of Schlegel Rubber Products, one of their competitors of the period.

[Bernard M.]

Re: another C1 weatherstip question

Sheller-Globe is now Metzger. Prior to being Sheller, it was Dryden.

[Garry Barnes]

Re: another C1 weatherstip question

Bernard, what can your FIL tell you about what was made at the plant in IA? Does he remember anything about them making weatherstrip at that plant? Did they compete with Schlegel Rubber Products in the weatherstrip marketplace? Anything that you can drum up would be appreciatied. Thanks.
Garry

[Bernard M.]

Re: another C1 weatherstip question

Moulded and extruded rubber products. Including weather strip, dash pads, arm rests, etc. They manufactured for most all american makes. He eventually worked his way into an office job and retired as a senior material buyer.