problem with weatherstrips

[ej68bird]

Hey guys i have a 68 Firebird and i'm finally getting around to replacing the weatherstripping. Problem is that I can't even come close to lining up the body panels. So far I've only done the the driver side door and trunk.

The trunk weatherstrip is just flat out too high. I literally have to sit on the decklid to get it to latch, and its about 1/4" too high on the left side and close to a 1/2" on the right. As far as i can tell its installed in the channel correctly.

And the door is absolutely attrocious! The door is 1/4-3/8" too far back and its kind of crooked in its opening. Because of this, the glass is a little tight to the roof rail weatherstrip towards the front and way too loose towards the back (3/16" gap). Basically, the weatherstrip is preventing me from keeping proper door alignment.

I understand that the old stuff is compressed from years of use, so the new stuff will be somewhat tighter. But a 1/2" off in some places seems like a little much. This is the highly touted [sarcasm] OER stuff... Any help to get the panels lined up correctly would be much appreciated! Thanks guys.

[Tom Welch]

Maybe the weather stripping isnt lined up or maybe installed wrong? I read that you checked that, was the door and trunk lined up prior to installing the weather strips? If so something like WD40 or silicone spray may allow the rubber so slide into place easier.

[slenning]

Did you replace the rubber bumpers that go at the back corners of the trunk? Could they be holding the deck lid up? I had to trim mine a little for height. The wstrip was still too high but I adjusted the latch as tight as I could get it and still get it latched. In a couple weeks it had compressed a little and I could adjust it down a little more. Did that at least a couple of times. Its sitting pretty decent now.

[Jim Nilsen]

Some after market trunk lid bumpers can be too high and need to be trimmed, correct ones are available and could possibly still be available through GM but I haven't looked for a few years. Also trunk weatherstrip is not all the same and I have had the best luck with Metro brand trunk weather strip. For the doors use Soffseal and the roof rail Metro. They were getting ready to make better stuff at soffseal so if you don't already have it it might be the way to go now?

Aftermarket weatherstrip has fit terribly for years and if someone makes it look good they did a lot of fussing to get it right.

[Smock67]

well that sucks i have full weatherstripping kit coming from classic industries. I hope the fit on that is better.

[Jim Nilsen]

Keep us posted about how good it fits? With the new full bodies being out maybe they have started doing a better job at making it with the right materials?

[ej68bird]

Thanks for the replies.

I know its not the bumpers on the trunk because they're not installed lol. I've thought about giving Soffseal a try. And i don't think i've heard of Metro. I'm kind of worried about buying new stuff though because it seems like everything for these old cars is made by one or two companies and then its sold to others and rebranded. I would hate to buy the same exact thing twice.

I'll do the roofrail on the drivers side when i get a chance and let you know how it goes. I might just have to deal with crappy alignment for awhile until the new weatherstrips compress some more. Thanks again guys.

[PRRC]

Weather stripping is always a problem. Just my 2 cents on the subject. I think that the re manufactured kits are a much denser foam and there for compresses less. after installing new weather strip its always a fight to get things lined up and working correctly.
Tim

[HILROD]

I just put in the trunk weatherstrip. Man was I shocked. The decklid sticks up a mile. I adjusted it way too tight now, and am compressing the seal down. It pops a lot, but it's easier then at first. Around 5 days ago and it almost opens normal. At first you had to slam it with all your might.

[Chad-1stGen]

Heh my OER trunk weatherstripping is to short. It doesn't even make contact with the deck lid in the front and the sheet metal aligned great so I don't want to adjust it down.

[ProTouring442]

The old weather stripping was made in hard chromed molds, the new stuff is a self skinning material. the new material is much harder, but usually will compress after time. I have had terrible luck with Soft Seal, and decent luck with Metro.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[ej68bird]

I haven't had a chance to install the roof rail strips yet... been working all day. But it sounds like no matter what, there's gonna be problems with weatherstripping. I'm kinda surprised your's is too short though, Chad. Gotta love quality control. I have a feeling that I am just going to end up wrestling with what I have. Thanks for your helps guys. Nice to know I'm not the only one with this problem lol.