I have a 1976 280z that I am just finishing up with basically a full restoration.  I reassembled the quarter windows with all new weatherstrip from Precision.   I cannot get them to seat far enough back to get the window frame screw holes to line up with the body holes.  I was able to get the bottom 2 started after extreme effort but the tops are still 1/4" or more away and the door won't close with where it's sitting right now as the door interferes with the vertical seal on the quarter window. 

I lubed up the seals with silicone spray and sprayed the body area with Windex prior to starting.  I was absolutely pushing with all my might while having a helper in the hatch to just barely get the bottom screws started.  If it matters, temperature in my garage was about 60*F.

Even as it sits with the bottom screws in, the door won't close.  How tight is the door/vertical seal supposed to fit together when closing?

 

The entire window assembly needs to move back at least the width of this gap, maybe more:

 

I'm wondering if the Precision outer weatherstripping is too stiff?  It was brand new.  Maybe I should have glued the first part and stretched it while gluing to thin the bulk out some?

Maybe I should just leave it partially installed in the opening as it is now and try pushing again in a few days to see if the new weatherstripping has 'broken in' a bit?

I don't think I can push any harder without the risk of damaging something.

Looking for advice. 

 

Thanks

 

I seem to recall a thread where a member used a block and tackle or some such to suck those suckers into place. Complete battle. Could NOT get the screws in any other way. i have fought this battle and given up and trimmed the seals away then used some glass sealant to form a lovely “looking” seal against the body.  Or leave the stock seal, clean it up, then use the filler technique to get a moisture seal. 

 

Just another battle with ill fitting aftermarket weatherstripping. 

 I've used two folded towels against the glass, two 2x4s on the towels, and a ratchet strap or two to push the glass in.

Thanks guys.  @Mark Maras, I'm having a hard time imagining where you loop the ratchet strap around to suck the glass in.  The hatch opening is really slanted.  Where did you route the strap?

Edited December 12, 2024Dec 12 by fusion

53 minutes ago, zKars said:

I seem to recall a thread where a member used a block and tackle or some such to suck those suckers into place. Complete battle. Could NOT get the screws in any other way. i have fought this battle and given up and trimmed the seals away then used some glass sealant to form a lovely “looking” seal against the body.  Or leave the stock seal, clean it up, then use the filler technique to get a moisture seal. 

 

Just another battle with ill fitting aftermarket weatherstripping. 

That might be me, I did this Rube Goldberg approach solo in my garage. I installed a couple of large hooks (bike hangers) in the base plate of the garage wall, ran a large ratchet strap from one hook, thru the hatch opening, around the window, back to the second hook - ratchet on this end. Easy on the pressure to gently pull and hold the window into position to get the screws lined up. Lube the new seal a bit to allow it slide against the body. East peasy!!!

I also used a straight pick in the screw holes to help pry it into place and line up the screw holes. They can be difficult to get in properly. I would use some of the Precision sealant lube. Do not use silicone on painted surfaces. It's is very difficult to get off later if paint work needs to be done.

I wrapped the ratchet straps under the car and over the roof.

I was finally able to get it.  I have a roll bar in the car and was able to use that with a clamp to draw the window back.  Wow, what a pain. 

Now that it's done, I'm having a bit of interference with the weatherstrip on the top of the door and the vertical weatherstrip on the front of the quarter window.  How is this supposed to work? 

 

I would trim the qtr window one back. Maybe even at an angle.

Do it in small steps until you like the results

Thanks for your comment.  Looks like I'll have to do that, but how did it work from the factory?

I don't know

I’ll bet they were either smaller, softer or both than the currently available replacements.