Installation Hints & Help

 

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We provide this information to help with your installations.
Click on the heading of your choice to jump to the topic.

  1. Roof Rail Weatherstrip
  2. Door Seals
  3. Convertible Top Seals
  4. Quarter Window Seals
  5. Convertible Pillar Seals
  6. Trunk Seal
  7. Snap-In Bumpers
  8. Windshield, Front & Back
  9. Vent Windows & Run Channel

Roof Rail Weatherstrip

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLING ROOFRAIL WEATHERSTRIP!

FOR HARDTOPS

OLD ROOFRAIL WEATHERSTRIPPING SEALS become brittle and cracked as they are constantly exposed to the weather. This deterioration allows rain and wind to reach your interior. By replacing old seals, you can keep out the elements, add a touch of class to your car and you will have a much quieter ride.

GENERAL HINTS: Always start at the front when removing and installing weatherstrip. Place a tiny bit of adhesive in the channel, not on the weatherstrip.

A) PREPARATION: Remove the old strip, in one piece if possible, by extracting the black plastic anchor pins or screws at the molded end using a side cutter or screwdriver. Pull the rubber away from the channel, using a release agent to remove old glue if necessary. Clean and scrape the channel with a small wire brush, using masking tape to avoid scratching any surfaces.

B) START AT THE FRONT: Starting at the front (see Figure 12A), install the black plastic anchor pins or screws in the molded end, putting a tiny bit of adhesive in the channel.

C) INSTALL SEAL: Insert the main section into the channel, working your way from the front to the back, using a hard plastic or rubber squeegee to lock the rubber into the edges of the channel (see Figure 12B).

D) TUCK AWAY: Work your way to the end of the channel. Leave about two inches of excess rubber, using a knife to cut off the rest. Tuck those excess tow inches into the roof and quarter panel area.

On models with two molded ends, work your way to the back and install the pins or screws, and you're done.

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Door Seals

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLING DOOR WEATHERSTRIPS!

A QUIET RIDE begins with new, made-to-fit weatherstripping. If your vehicle sounds like you're driving with the doors open - then or top quality door weatherstripping is essential.

GENERAL HINTS: Check carefully to make sure all clips are lined up with the proper holes before inserting ANY clips in door holes. If weatherstripping with clips is removed, the rubber may be torn. If tears occur, Super glue works well to make repairs.

A) PREPARATION: Remove the old strip in one piece if possible. Remove any old anchor plugs using a pliers. Pushing and popping through any broken pins will also work.

B) CLEANING: Clean the entire door surface and repair any rust spots.

C) INSTALL ONE END: On hardtops and convertibles, fasten one end (Figure 8A), placing a tiny amount of adhesive on the mounting side of the end and a small amount between pin anchors. On sedans and trucks, start at the top center and apply a small bead of adhesive on the under side of the rubber between the two pins on either side. Then install these pins.

D) EASY INSTALL: Now simply place a small bit of adhesive to the rubber between pins on the main length of weatherstrip, push pins in and work your way around. (Figure 8B)

E) YOUR LAST STEP: On hardtops and convertibles, your strip is made to fit exactly. On sedans and trucks, where lengths of extrusion are used, carefully cut the ends squarely to match together, allowing a 1/4 inch to overlap. At this seam, apply adhesive to the ends of the strip. Hold the ends together a moment and add a small amount of glue around the edges to get any areas missed. Then allow the seam to fully dry before shutting the door, checking for any oozing glue.

F) CHECK: Check your door for alignment. Your new weatherstrip is made to the correct factory specifications. Our soft sponge rubber will soon adjust to irregularities in doors for a positive seal and ease of closing doors in just a short time.

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Convertible Top Seals

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLING CONVERTIBLE TOP WEATHERSTRIP!

DO YOU OWN A CONVERTIBLE? If so, does your convertible have a leaky or windy roof? To prevent water and wind leaks, you need to replace your present weatherstripping with soft, pliable rubber.

GENERAL HINTS: Proper fit and function of this molded roof rail seal depends upon the correct adjustment of the top frame, relative to the side windows. Do not expect weatherseal to automatically fit every car without some adjustments. Consult the factory service manual for top adjustment details.

A) PREPARATION: Raise the top to a good working height. Remove all old pieces from the roof rails and header. Scrape out and clean all foreign material from the roof rail frame (Figure 11A), using an adhesive release agent if necessary. You may raise and lower the top to have access to all screws and anchor pins.

B) ADJUSTMENTS: Adjust door and side windows, so that there is an even gap of about 1/2" along the top edge of the glass to the back roof rail.

C) INSTALL ROOF RAIL SEAL: Install the driver side and passenger side long straight pieces first, then the corner pieces, up to the header.

D) INSTALL HEADER SEAL (Figure 11B): Cut the sponge rubber seal with a sharp knife to proper length (if molded ends are not connected to side rails). Use an adhesive to bond it to the header. Trim the ends neatly to fit flush with corner pieces. (some front sections on certain cars are pre-bonded to the header, so you should skip this last step.)

E) ADJUSTMENTS: Note that the molded holes in the side rail pieces are somewhat oversize. Position the front side rail pieces laterally, so the door glass top edge enters the groove in the weatherstrip. (Note: angle of the trim on all side glass may be adjusted by inside-the-body adjustments. Please consult your factory shop manual for details if needed).

F) RECOMMENDATION: We suggest that silicone-based or water-based spray lubricant be used on all rubber pieces where glass meets rubber to prevent excess friction.

G) TO FINISH: Position the remaining side rail pieces as described in step E. Close the top before any adhesive dries, being careful that no adhesive drips out.

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Quarter Window Seals

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLING QUARTER WINDOW SEALS!

OLD QUARTER WINDOW SEALS should be replaced when they start to shrink, harden and crack. Wind and water can leak through. It's easy to give your car a better look with new quarter window seals.

Our quarter window seals are made-to-fit and made-to-last.

GENERAL HINTS: Heavily chromed channels may cause a very tight fit when installing quarter seals. Make sure you use a light lubricant to make your seal slide easily.

A) REMOVE OLD SEALS: Remove your old seals. You may have to remove the door jamb to get to the seals. Remove any screws at the base of the old seal. Then, grab the old seal with pliers and pull down, using firm downward pressure with your other hand or with someone's help. Do not let the chrome come off the window!

B) CLEAN OUT CHANNEL: Clean out any rust or debris with a small wire brush being careful not to scratch the chrome. You may put a strip of masking tape on the chrome before you start cleaning to protect it. Remove any old adhesive, using a release agent. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth.

C) APPLY LUBRICANT: Apply a light lubricant or soapy water to the back of your new seal. If your model car did not have screws attaching the quarter seal, you will have to apply a small bead of adhesive to the inside of the channel. (Figure 10A).

D) SLIDE SEAL ON: Slide the window seal starting at the bottom onto the channel. Replace the screws at the bottom of the base if necessary (Figure 10B) and reattach the door jamb.

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Convertible Pillar Seals

SO EASY TO INSTALL and so important for your car! Our pillar post weatherstrip helps prevent water leaks, supports and firms your side windows, and helps seal out noise.
Top quality, made-to-fit &
made-to-last.

A) PREPARATION: Carefully remove the old seals from your car, using a release agent if necessary. Remove all old rubber pieces from the retainer channel, using a wire brush if necessary. Wipe clean.

Watch out for the sharp edges! You may put a strip of masking tape down the sides to help prevent scratches.

B) LUBE UP: Using a clean rag, cover the entire strip with lubricant for easy installation and adjustment.

C) INSTALL BOTTOM END: Starting at the bottom (Figure 7A & 7B), set and install the molded end, inserting new pins into holes. Apply a very tiny amount of glue to a clean spot (clean up any lubricant) on the back side of the end to help hold it in place.

D) COMPLETE INSTALLATION: After the bottom end is installed and all pins are in place, apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to both the retainer channel and the back side of the seal. Now carefully pry the flange into the retainer channel using a hard squeegee (Figure 12B).

E) ADJUSTMENTS: The exact final length can be adjusted by pushing and compressing the rubber.

The lubricant should allow the rubber to slide easily. Repeat this procedure for the other side.

F) ADD ADHESIVE: If the ends seem to slip, clean off any lubricant and then apply only a tiny amount of adhesive to help hold the ends.

A CUSTOM FIT!
It will adjust slightly in profile after a few days to provide excellent sealing qualities. This will be done while your window is compressed against the new seal.

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Trunk Seal

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLING TRUNK WEATHERSTRIP!

 SHOW YOU CARE FOR YOUR car with new trunk weatherstripping. Did you know that old, worn-out trunk seals may hold water that can cause rust in the groove around your trunk? You can help prevent leaks and excess dust, as well as give your trunk a fresh new look with our easy-to-install trunk weatherstrip.

 GENERAL HINTS: Proper fit and function of this trunk weatherstrip extrusion depends upon the correct installation (Figure 9A). Do not use your old flattened strip as a guide. Read the entire instructions here before beginning.

A) PREPARATION: Compare your old seal to the new one to make sure that the new seal will do the job. Remember, old seals are flat and your new sponge rubber is very forgiving in the case of slight difference in shape. Make sure you take note of which side of your strip faces toward the outside of the trunk!

B) REMOVE OLD SEAL: Apply liberal amounts of a release agent as you pull until you have removed all weatherstripping. Make sure any old adhesive, debris or rubber is removed with a scraper and even vacuumed if necessary.

C) ADHESIVE BEAD: Check your trunk lid alignment and then run a bead of adhesive inside the groove as you install the strip.

D) INSTALL WEATHERSTRIP: Start at the center above the lock cylinder and begin to insert your new weatherstrip. Fold your strip in half and start with the half-way point. Make sure both inside and outside edges are tight and sealed.

E) GLUE AS YOU GO: Start about 8 inches from the center and begin to glue around each side as you go until you get to about 8 inches from the end. Carefully cut the ends squarely to match together, allowing a 1/4 inch to overlap. At this seam, apply adhesive to the trunk channel and a small amount to the ends of the strip. Hold the ends together for a moment and then insert. Close your trunk and open it, making sure no glue oozes out and shows. Wipe up any excess glue immediately.

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Snap-In Bumpers

IT'S EASY TO INSTALL OUR NEW RUBBER BUMPERS

RATTLE, PING, RATTLE! Quiet the rattle and noise of your car with new rubber bumpers. Our bumpers are not only affordable and easy to install, they also help your car look new, prevent damage and help deep alignments tight on lids, trunks, doors and glass.

GENERAL HINTS: Popping out old, hard and cracked rubber bumpers takes little more than a screwdriver and some careful prying. To prevent scratching the surface, you may want to use another item to cushion the screwdriver as you pry.

If a rubber anchor breaks off and remains in the hole, try poking it through or even carefully using a tiny drill to remove it.

DOOR BUMPERS: Align anchors with door holes and push in (Figure 6A). You may use a light lubricant, such as soap, and the handle end of a small screwdriver to push the carrot in solidly.

TRUNK BUMPERS: Your bumpers will become flat and inefficient with age. Just line up your new set and push into the hole, using some lubricant and a twisting action.

HOOD BUMPERS: Both hood bumpers and adjustable hood bumpers are important for a proper hood fit. Match the fender slots and bumper anchors and slide the bumper into the key hole slot. Adjustable bumpers should already be adjusted to the proper height of your hood. If not, screw the bolt up or down for a flush hood.

GLOVE BOX & CONSOLES: These tiny bumpers help prevent glovebox or console noise and help keep your car from the damage associated with opening and closing these small doors. Use pliers to pull the old ones out and push in the new ones. Pulling a tail from the back is also helpful (Figure 6B

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Windshield, Front & Back

If you are seeking advice on how to install a windshield, we recommend that you seek the services of a professional auto glass installer for your windshields. You may have a "gasket set" glass or you may have a "glue in" glass. With the complexity and variances of each application, this is beyond what we can offer here. If you attempt this installation and destroy the clips, molding, gasket or glass you'll wish you had hired someone with the expertise.

 


 

Vent Window Seals and Run Channels

Our experience has taught us that these can be some of the most difficult parts to install. With this said, you might want to call an auto glass shop and get an estimate from them before you disassemble one of your doors, just to find out you don't have the correct tools or patience to complete the job. If you still want to install these parts yourself, (and we have done them before, though only our personal cars), our only words of advice are,

  1. Allow enough time to complete the job without rushing.
  2. Do only one window at a time, so that you can refer to the other when you get disoriented.
  3. Mark all bolt holes, many are slotted for window adjustments (in-out, for-aft, up-down, etc)..
  4. Take the time to clean out the dirt and debris that will be at the bottom of the door,
    lubricate all the rollers and pivot points of the window regulator, door latch and lock mechanisms.

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