weatherstrip source ?

[maxwellgood]

My local body man who has a few years of Vette experience told me to go OEM. He says not only is the fit precise on OEM but the rubber is a better quality. You'll spend a fortune no matter what you do.

Once finished keep the silicone on them so they'll last longer. Don't forget the suncreen when she's windin' out on the hot road.

 

[SSTibet]

Agree with Maxwellgood, Go OEM for (1) proper fit, (2) material quality, (3) avoiding second time losses...

I also use silicone spray on my seals during the hard winter months. Keeps them shiny and soft.

Selim

 

[Edmond]

Guys, we also have to account that not all aftermarket weatherstrip is the same. There are better companies out there than others for aftermarket goods and that also applies to weatherstripping.

 

[SSTibet]

Ed, I am sure what you are saying is right. But people like us usually deal with distributors / dealers for parts, not with the guys who really do the manufacturing. As I have said before I was not aware that I was getting non-OEM stuff from Ecklers. How are we supposed to know who has really manufactured the part and which manufacturer is better than others? I may have parts from "Joe Blow" and someone else from "Uncle Jim" although we deal with one company, called Ecklers in my case...

Cheers,

Selim

 

[Jeffvette]

somehow I expected Corvette people to have more.................. common sense.

[shrug]
Pbody

It amazes when people drive such nice cars, and they buy cheap parts to get buy.

If you had asked, I could have turned you on to a local source in Portland who sells GM parts at cost. I was able to pick up my rear weatherstip for around 90 bucks. As mentioned before, the fit and finish is correct and I have no issues at all. Maybe I'm a little light in the pocket by an extra 10 bucks, who cares.

 

[redeasysport]

Yes most Corvette owners have more sense. Why would I pay 1/4 the value of my car to replace weatherstripping with some that was junk when installed(OEM) if it is so much better then why is totally destroyed after 12 years. The ones I got from weatherstripspecial are guranteed for 30yrs( replacement) that makes sense to me and they fit just fine. If there is a problem I can get satisfaction. Try doing that with OEM parts quit bashing others for making WISE decisions we are allowed to make mistakes as long as they are correctable.My car will never be a show winner but I love it the same 'nuff said. You did the right thing Pbody.

 

[in-Vette-uation]

Yes most Corvette owners have more sense. Why would I pay 1/4 the value of my car to replace weatherstripping with some that was junk when installed(OEM) if it is so much better then why is totally destroyed after 12 years. The ones I got from weatherstripspecial are guranteed for 30yrs( replacement) that makes sense to me and they fit just fine. If there is a problem I can get satisfaction. Try doing that with OEM parts quit bashing others for making WISE decisions we are allowed to make mistakes as long as they are correctable.My car will never be a show winner but I love it the same 'nuff said. You did the right thing Pbody.

Ain't that the truth! Well said. If OEM was so great there wouldn't be so many people with replacement stories!
Either way, it makes for good reading....

 

[Jeffvette]

Yes most Corvette owners have more sense. Why would I pay 1/4 the value of my car to replace weatherstripping with some that was junk when installed(OEM) if it is so much better then why is totally destroyed after 12 years. The ones I got from weatherstripspecial are guranteed for 30yrs( replacement) that makes sense to me and they fit just fine. If there is a problem I can get satisfaction. Try doing that with OEM parts quit bashing others for making WISE decisions we are allowed to make mistakes as long as they are correctable.My car will never be a show winner but I love it the same 'nuff said. You did the right thing Pbody.

Realistically, are you going to own that car for 30 years? Who cares how long they "say" it can last.

I know you are new to the Vette world, but you will soone realize, that not all parts made are not up to snuff.

Hope you are enjoying your ride.

 

[Edmond]

Buy whatever you want, it's your money and it's your car.

 

[redeasysport]

Well gee Jeff if I am not going to keep it 30yrs (original owner had it 12) then what is the sense in paying for OEM strips.I plan on keeping it as long as it lasts and thrills me I will retire in 6yrs so I doubt I will buy another as long as the weather stripping does not leak and fits well (mine does both) I just save $600 for other stuff for it.

Now I will say Engine parts are another issue. Only OEM or high quality after market. Oh by the way I WORK at a GM car plant have worked in just about every Dept. from body to final and about 40% of the parts are from foriegn countries and some of THEM are just junk so I do know a thing or 2 about GM cars.Metro has been in bussines for 90 years in the good ole USA and I prefer to BUY AMERICAN. Do you know where OEM strips come from?Do you know how many we throw away because they leak? I do but I ain't sayin.(take a hint)

 

[WNH]

The new stuff seemed nicer because it was thick and firm and not all flimsy and wrinkly like the original. It installed well and looked nice, right up until I tried to put the top back on the car... It sat about a half-inch too high, though I ultimately was able to clamp it down. I figured it would squish over time and get easier. Then I tried to put the windows up. There was no way on earth that was going to happen... The stuff was just too thick and firm to work properly.

The exact same thing happened to me with the door Weatherstrip.
I bought it off Ebay, I think the brand was "Soft' something.
It was too thick at the front , the door wouldn't close & the window wouldn't go up.
I tried to shave some off & I messed it up so bad, I threw it away.
Then I bought the expensive door weatherstrip from 'ZIP', it fit perfect.

Buy the cheap stuff at your own risk.:eyerole