MidYear Weatherstrip

[Richard Sullivan]

I put new weatherstriping on the doors of my 64 convt on Saturday. Now the doors won't close and I don't want to force them. The weatherstrip came with the car when I bought it and I don't know what brand it is or where it came from.

In past restorations, I have used a brand called Softseal with success. Is this true with Corvettes? Does the brand make a difference? If so, what is the recommended brand and where can it be purchased.

PS I know the weatherstrip is installed and glued properly.

Richard

[Wayne W.]

Re: MidYear Weatherstrip

Pretty typical of the old GM weatherstrips to do that. They will compress over time, but you will probably want to get some reproductions and replace them.

[Dave - NCRS#24235]

Re: MidYear Weatherstrip

I had the same problem when I installed "reproduction" weatherstrip 7-8 years ago on my 66. The weatherstrip takes 20 years to lose the problem - less than half of mine (drivers door and hood seal) work fine now. I noticed that Advanced Auto has a really soft weatherstrip on display. If you don't have a store near you, you might try their website, and ask if you can return the product (if it feels stiff when you get it). I am going to try to redo my passenger door this coming winter, and if that works - the decklid for the top. I spent last winter on another engine, clutch, brake rotors and bearing hubs. Please, let me know if you find a product that works. My wife had to slam the passenger door so hard that the plastic window roller split, and the door window fell down. We were in Corpus Christi Texas at the time, and the ride back home to Illinois was a bummer. It took 4 months to locate a set of window rollers. - Dave

[Gerald Lee]

Re: MidYear Weatherstrip

I installed weatherstrip from the Corvette Rubber Company and if fit perfect. I had one small problem with a single piece and sent it back and they promptly return a new one to me. Eventhough, I glued the problem piece on and ripped it taking it off.

Oh, did you make a small cut at the bottom of the door weatherstrip (as per the AIM). This lets the air out of the weatherstrip when you close the door.

Hope this helps,

Gerald Lee #31112

[kenrobb]

Re: MidYear Weatherstrip

I had the same problem a "few" years ago on my 65 coupe. The GM weatherstrip is just not the correct one to use. Your door won't ever close properly with it. I got mine from Corvette America in PA, and it fit perfectly. It is hollow inside except at the top corners where it is solid to hold up. As said before, Corvette Rubber might make it all anyway. Just ask when you order if it fits. Ken