Question: C4 Weather-Strip

[B17Crew]

I’m gathering information on installing weather-stripping on my C4, I was hoping someone can help with this one as I’ve never done this before. I don’t want to make any mistakes because the strips are not cheap.

On a website (link is below) I came across what appear to be either plastic or metal moldings that seem to go under the weather-strip, they’re out of stock, but they have an image of the plastic/metal strips that I’m referencing. You’ll need to click on the “larger image” link to see them better.

http://www.whiteracingproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=397

Can anybody tell me if the plastic/metal strips are something that are typically replaced during a new weather-strip install? I would think that if the originals are in good shape, they would still be able to be used. It also looks like the B-pillar has the same type of plastic/metal molding as well.

Lastly, does the rear hatch weather-stripping have any plastic/metal sub-strips below the weather-strip that should be replaced?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially if you’ve tackled this before.

B17Crew

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

I replaced mine last year and had no issues. All of the plastic end pieces came with the kit. There was no plastic part under the molding. only the end pieces on the door and roof.

The rear hatch is straight forward but big. It will be all bent out of shape from shipping. I laid mine out on top of the hatch for a day or so to get all of the kinks out.

The door moldings are different for different years. Be sure you get the right moldings for you car.

Get ready to slam the doors. The after market moldings are fatter than OEM ones. I still have to crack a window to close the door from the inside. From the outside I put one hand on the top of the window and the other on the door and apply constant pressure. This way the door closes easy every time.

BTW Thunder still leaks in a hard rain.:confused

 

[B17Crew]

Thanks SPANISHVETTS, I found your info to be very helpful. Never knew there were additional pieces under the weather-stripping. Which aftermarket brand did you use?

Laying out the rear hatch strip for a couple of days is great advice, that’s the kind of tip that will be of a big help.

Hard to imagine with such a tight seal that Thunder still leaks, that would have me scratching my head for sure.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to relay your experience.

B17Crew

 

[Toms007]

I have replaced most of the weatherstrip on my 94, with the exception of the targa sides and the inside window sweeps. My experience is that you should take your time and CLEAN under the old stripping really well. For all but the outside window sweeps I used LoneStar Muscle Car weatherstrip (off Ebay). They have a 15 year warranty on the weatherstrip. Leaving it sit out for a few days is a really good suggestion, allowing it to relax after being folded up in the bag would make it much easier to install. For darn sure the new strips are fatter than the old, but after a while they seem to settle in. They close now with more of a solid feel than before. I really can't add any more to what Spanishvetts said.

 

[B17Crew]

I have replaced most of the weatherstrip on my 94, with the exception of the targa sides and the inside window sweeps. My experience is that you should take your time and CLEAN under the old stripping really well. For all but the outside window sweeps I used LoneStar Muscle Car weatherstrip (off Ebay). They have a 15 year warranty on the weatherstrip. Leaving it sit out for a few days is a really good suggestion, allowing it to relax after being folded up in the bag would make it much easier to install. For darn sure the new strips are fatter than the old, but after a while they seem to settle in. They close now with more of a solid feel than before. I really can't add any more to what Spanishvetts said.

Thanks, toms94.
I have to take a look at LoneStar Muscle’s site, I had never heard of them before.

I do have two questions:
Are you fully satisfied with the quality of their strips?
Do you feel they are they better than the OEM strips?

Thanks for the info!

B17Crew

 

[Toms007]

Thanks, toms94.
I have to take a look at LoneStar Muscle’s site, I had never heard of them before.

I do have two questions:
Are you fully satisfied with the quality of their strips?
Do you feel they are they better than the OEM strips?

Thanks for the info!

B17Crew

Satisfied? Yes, they are a quality strip.
Better than OEM? Well, all I have to judge it by is what came off the car , and it is a darn site better than what came off. Sorry, I have not seen "new OEM" stuff, so it would be difficult for me to compare. I do know that the cost of the OEM weatherstrip was considerably more. Right now in the doors, A and B pillars, and the hatch I have about $300. The OEM window sweeps were about the same price as aftermarket (I bought them from Superior Chevy in Kansas City)

Here is a link to LoneStar Car Parts (they have changed their name to reflect a wider range of products now I guess). This is a link to a complete weatherstrip kit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/90-9...62QQcategoryZ42611QQihZ012QQitemZ220230733837

 

[B17Crew]

Thanks, toms94.

The set seems fairly priced and complete. I bookmarked Lonestar's site... I will definitely keep them in mind. I’m going to go to my local dealer and see what they have available to compare costs. One of the parts workers there is a Corvette fan, he gives me a discount on most items I buy for my ’96.

B17Crew

 

[rascal_rascal_99]

When I bought a complete kit from ecklers about 3 years ago it was right around 400-450, not sure exactly now. That kit didn't include the window wipe seals or the hood seal that's shown in the kit from lonestar has. Like SpanishVetts already mentioned, laying the seals out in the hot afternoon sun should help make things easier, and the only plastic of any kind that I can remember is basically molded in with the weatherstripping to help give it form in some places. I didn't order the weather stripping tools, I used a couple of plastic putty knives that were dull around the edges and had no trouble getting anything into the tracks.

If this makes sense, one edge going into the track you can just lay in it, then go along the other side with whatever tool you're using to push the opposite side down into the track with. After I'd get a whole piece in, I'd go back along it just kind of mashing/massaging it with my hands until I was satisfied it was stretched evenly in the track. The corners of the A-pillar...the top corners of the windshield...are what I remember taking the most time to work with to make sure they were seated like they needed to be and formed around the window correctly when the door is shut.

 

[B17Crew]

Thanks, rascal_rascal_99.

I just purchased and received tools and instructions from Gordon Killebrew’s site. The tips that have been posted are of a big help. Never worked on any weather-stripping issues, so I’m wet behind the ears on this one. The details that you guys have provided from your installs is invaluable.

It may be a good idea to place all of these tips into a library of “how-to’s,” here on the CAC ie, C4 Wether-Strip Installation Tips. I’m sure these tips will come in handy for future users.

B17Crew

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

I used Lone Star as well. The price was right and they were willing to ship to Euro-Land.

I do not remember any major issues. The windshield part is a Bit-- to install.

 

[B17Crew]

I used Lone Star as well. The price was right and they were willing to ship to Euro-Land.

I do not remember any major issues. The windshield part is a Bit-- to install.

Thanks, SPANISHVETTS.

You all have helped me get my ducks in row.

B17Crew

 

[bsmurf1962]

Great Advise! but I have a question to you all, I KNOW I will screw this up, so is there anyone that I can call to have them replace my weather stripping. like would a car dealing handle something like this. thanks in advancee.


MURF

 

[B17Crew]

From Corvette Fever Magazine. I can’t vouch for any of the shops, but from what I understand, The shops have to be nominated by the readers.

Hope this helps!

B17Crew


100 Corvette Shops You Can Trust 2006 Edition

New Jersey

Conte's Corvettes & Classics
851 W. Eheat Road
Vineland, NJ 08360
(856) 692-0087
corvettes@contes.com

"Conte's business has thrived over the past 31 years because Joe is honest and stands by his word on every Corvette he sells. He isrespected by many because of his reputation over the years of service,quality and loyalty." --Dave Kinsey

Corvette Paramedics Inc.
2693 Rte. 206
Mt. Holly, NJ 08060
(609) 265-2702
vetteparamedics@snip.net

Mr. Driveshaft
31 W. Main St.
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
(732) 938-4118

All About Alignment
23 W. Main St.
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
(732) 938-5153

 

[Toms007]

I'd talk to a Body shop. They have to put this stuff on cars that they repair.

 

[norwegianvette]

Weatherstrips

Hi. I did al strips on my 1993 earlier this year and never done this before. I did find the job quite easy and thats not often i say those words. Cleaning of the surfaces where the old ones been is important. When i did the cab i used soap on the strips and they went starigt in to their slots. Just go for it, give yourself plenty of timed take one by one. Most just clip in to place. I broght my strips from Ecklers and the shape was fine and the fit very good. Have to say that i to need to use more force to close the dors but that will be just a temporary issue.

Steve, Norway

 

[bsmurf1962]

Thanks for your response. I may do it myself, but how do I know what to buy. My vette leaks around the top of the front windshield on both side, the weather strip looks beat from the sun drying it out, can I just buy the windsheld piece only. I don't think it leaks anywhere else, or do you recommend replacing it all, because the stripping is getting old.

 

[Toms007]

I replaced mine in stages. The window sweeps, then the doors, then the A and B pillar, then the hatch. That way I didn't have a huge outlay of cash at once.

The one you are talking about is the A pillar, up the windshield side across the top of the windshield then down the other side.

 

[norwegianvette]

You can buy them piece by piece from Eclers. If the window one is the only one dammaged replace that one only. No need to replace good ones. There is some gaskets on tube to buy to repair dammaged ones with. I dont know the name over your place but in Norway its called gasket cement. If you cleane the dammaged part carefully with nail polish remover (I'm married) and then put on the rubberstuff. Use some soapy water on your fiingers and shape and even the rubber with your fingers. Leave this for to days and the weatherstrip should last for a while. To feed your old ones with moist use olive oil. Just put on generously and leave over night. Vipe of the excess and off you go. This oil is also good to put on your tires to keep them black and new looking. Just oil them as often as you can until trhe oil wont penetrate anymore. From there you only need to do it everytime you clean your car. I used a liter and a half before my tires were moist and now they look like new.

Regards,
Steve