Door repair questions ???

[mdsbch]

I am replacing the door panels on my 85 coupe and have a couple of questions.

1) When I removed the old door panel, there is something like a bead of caulk that goes around the metal under the door panel. Is this there to help keep the panel tight against the frame? And if so should I remove it and replace it with fresh or can you just use what is there, and if not should I just remove it all?

2) While I have the door apart, I cleaned up the mechanism (plastic strip with teeth and the rail it slides on) that runs the window up and down. Now I'm assuming it probably should be re-lubricated, but what should it be lubricated with? I don't want to use something that is going to attract dirt and grime to collect and gum it all up again.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Mike

 

[Hot Rod Roy]

That caulking stuff is pretty neat . . . it stays sticky almost forever! If it's still doing its job, just put things back together.

Keeping your window mechanisms clean and lubricated is really important in the '84 and '85 doors. The best lube is "white grease". Use it on all the sliding surfaces, except the glass tracks, of course.

 

[mdsbch]

I will pick up some white lithium grease to lube the window mechanism. I already cleaned it up and it made the windows work much better. Some one else said that the caulking stuff was to hold the plastic barier in place, so I think I will just re-use what is in there. Thanks for the info.

Mike

 

[Rogier]

The caulking stuff is meant to reduce vibration noise between the door and the doorpanel. You should always leave it there or when damaged replace it by some sort of kit which remains flexibel and is sticky as well.

The window slides can be greased with ACID FREE vaseline or something alike.

Best regards,

 

[mdsbch]

Thanks for the info.

Mike

 

[JonM]

You can get the white grease in a spray can...makes life easier...

 

[jmccloud]

Door panels

NAPA sells the black adhesive to keep the door panel tight. Use 'Lubriplate' on the window lift strip. It's a premium white grease that keeps its viscosity over a wide range of temperatures. It will outlast the car.