Weather Stripping Woes...Quick question

[mally002]

Folks,

I was going to start putting the weather stripping back on the doors today (I just got my car back from paint several weeks ago) and just noticed that there is a one piece "something" that goes all around the door frame. It's not Rubber, but it came right off. I'm assuming that the body shop pulled all the rubber weather stripping, but this piece was left on. I pulled it off..both sides, and cleaned all around the edging. My question is what is this piece?...Is it still available? Mine are in decent shape so should I just reuse them. Also any tips on applying the rubber would be appreaciated. If I have not explained this well enough let me know and I'll try and post a photo of the piece in question.

Thanks,

Randy

[EScanlon]

Randy...at a guess....the welting?

This is a "U" channel of serpentine metal that is usually encased in rubber that is used to secure the original weatherstripping to the door frame.

Aside from that....post a picture.

E

[mally002]

Yes, that is the piece. Does it need to go back on?? I didn't know if the newer weather stripping needed this before going on. If it does need it, is it still available.

Thanks for the reply.

Randy

[EScanlon]

The last set of weatherstripping I helped install already had that welting attached, i.e. it was one piece welting and weatherstripping.

But that's been a couple of years ago, maybe someone else with a more current experience can tell you more.

Generally, the weatherstrip cross-section look will look like a letter M with a fat leg on the outside of the interior and a very thin (almost emaciated) side towards the interior. That thin side is first put on top of the metal flange and then pinched and held in place by the welting.

E

[Zs-ondabrain]

The welting is what holds the weatherstripping onto the body. Nissan was smart enough to not just trust the glue.

Start in the upper corner, near the quarter window. Place the rubber into the corner and grab the smaller of the 2 weltings. push the welting into the corner over the thin layer of rubber that is over lapping the thin metal seam. Then work your way down the quarter window, and on down to the sill plate. The weather stripping should end half way across the bottom.

Then move onto the upper corner again and use the longer welting to do that one. I use a rubber mallet for this particular weatherstripping application. Trust me, your hands will thank you later.

USE CAUTION AROUND THE DASH AREA!! There is NOT a lot of room there so you may want to slowly use the handle of the mallet to press the welting in there or use your fingers.

Sorry about the pictures but they might help. I just got done putting in my door weatherstripping as well.

Good luck

Dave

[mally002]

Dave and EScanlon,

Many thanks. Dave, seeing that makes much more sense now. I really appreaciate the advice.

Randy