Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

[Steven B.]

What method/solvent, etc. can be used to remove '53-'62 weatherstripping from hood, doors, deck and trunk without much damage for reuse?

Thanks!

Steve

[Dick W.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

3M has a solvent that will soften the glue. Go to your local auto body supply house

[Steven B.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

3M has a solvent that will soften the glue. Go to your local auto body supply house

Thanks Dick!

Steve

[Roy B.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

And a sharp raiser blade

[Michael B.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

[Steven B.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

Thanks guys! I have found some old panels with the original weatherstrips on them. The guy won't sell the panels---yet, but he might sell me "those old pieces of rubber" as he calls them. He thinks I am nuts. I am working on it. I still have all of the originals on my '57 but would like to have some early pieces.

Thanks!

Steve

[Scott S.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

Stephan, There is an article, due out in the Restorer, on how to repair weatherstrip. If you are ready for that before publication, please send me a message at scott1956@rogers.com.
Thanks,
Scott Sinclair

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

Steven et al

The article Scott mentions will not appear for a few issues...earliest would be the summer issue, but I haven't even started to work on that one yet...and there is another article on weatherstrip that I was already holding...so I can't say for sure which issue it will appear...
Vinnie

[Troy P.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

Steve, I don't think the 3M product will soften ages old glue. Maybe if you really soak it for several weeks. My guess is you will be better off figuring to cut if off the panels. Get a narrow putty knife and sharpen it. Use it to chisel the rubber off. If you keep it sharp and press it into the panel while pushing forward you should get the rubber off with little stuck to the panel.

[Garry B.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

I would agree with Troy. I have done exactly what he proposes and it does work with a little care and patience. You will be surprised at how much of it will come off easily because either it didn't receive much glue under the w/s or that the glue has hardened over the years where it virtually chips off.

I would however discourage soaking the old w/s in the adhesive remover. It can break down the old rubber surface and you end up with a real mess. I would only use it on those areas where it is really stuck. As you begin to remove it, put it right at the spot between the w/s back and the glue underneath. No need to put it on the outer surface. Good luck.
Garry 18531

[Garry B.]

Re: Removal of Weatherstrip for Reuse

I would agree with Troy. I have done exactly what he proposes and it does work with a little care and patience. You will be surprised at how much of it will come off easily because either it didn't receive much glue under the w/s or that the glue has hardened over the years where it virtually chips off.

I would however discourage soaking the old w/s in the adhesive remover. It can break down the old rubber surface and you end up with a real mess. I would only use it on those areas where it is really stuck. As you begin to remove it, put it right at the spot between the w/s back and the glue underneath. No need to put it on the outer surface. Good luck.
Garry 18531