Windhield Seals OE vs. Repro

[Sailor Bob]

I have what I am assuming is an aftermarket seal - it is very stiff. It doesn't go all the way to the upper corners so well - just barely covers the cutout corners.

[EScanlon]

I haven't seen any seals without the trim channel. If you don't like the look, you will have to black it out. It is not a good idea to just not install the moldings. The moldings serve a dual purpose. Besides being decorative, when installed they put pressure on the rubber cinching it tight to the glass. Without the moldings it would be more likely to develop leaks eventually.

And on a nice hot day, it is more likely that when the sun has been shining on the rubber and you close the door....POP!! And suddenly one corner or edge of your windshield has popped out of the rubber.

As far as eliminating the chrome look, you could either paint (powder coat, or vinyl tape) the pieces black before or after you install (before is cleaner), or you could check with either a truck shop or an RV shop for the expansion rubber for the generic window seal. It's also available from JCW.

FWIW

E

[EScanlon]

Sorry,Geezer-the trim molding is appearance only.It has no sealing function.I have a half dozen 620's.All the original gaskets have the trim channel in them.The after market ones don't.This is why i posed the question above.

I'm restoring a King Cab and the 1/4 glass gaskets are a $180.00 for the pair available from one source only and they don't have the channels.

And this is not necessarily correct either.

Window gasketing is available in various different extrusion profiles. Some require the locking strip, others have the locking strip extruded at the same time the rest of the gasket is made. Some don't require a locking strip because of the method of mounting to the car.

While not ALL gaskets require the locking strip, if your gasket was built to REQUIRE the locking strip....it has a purpose.

There are also gaskets that ACCEPT an ORNAMENTAL STRIP that has nothing to do with the locking feature on other gaskets.

Here's a link to the JCW site showing some of the various types:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2008548/p-2008548/N-111+10201+600003827/c-10101

Here is one that does NOT require a locking strip, although the original replacement may have had one:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2008665/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2008665/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=window+seals

Here's a link to the locking strip selection, showing both chrome and black:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2008669/p-2008669/N-111+10201+600003827/c-10101

2¢

E

[DeMoore]

What about those complete weatherstrip sets that they have on Ebay? Anyone have any experience with those? After seeing the different JCM seals in the last post, that looks like a good inexpensive choice. I'm looking to switch out all my seals pretty soon, especially after doing a "leak search" on my 78 last Saturday. How do those JCM seals fit?

[DeMoore]

Anyone? I'm looking at this set:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=025&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=380013348589&rd=1

The two issues are quality and fitment. Should a set that fits a 70 fit a 78? Are the windows indentical?

Any advice on buying a generic set? This one in particular? Should I just buy the JCM universal strip?

[Oiluj]

Was tempted by that vendor as well, but was not sure... Got mine from MSA, figuring that if I didn't like the quality I could send it back.

If you get it, let us know about the quality.

[beandip]

I will say again. I have Precision brand weather stripping . I bought the complete kit. it fits '70-'78 Zs. The rubber fits perfect and is pliable and soft. I have no leaks. I can only account for my 240 but they have been on the car since 03 and I couldn't be more satisfied. A good friend is just starting on there Z and I recommended Precision to them also. Gary

[DeMoore]

Beandip, sent you a PM. I'm having a little trouble finding the site to price the Precision complete kits.