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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Universal window seals?

Jan. 14, 2009 1:34 a.m. ditchdigger Reader

Anyone have any experience with them?

My new project is a '71 Fiat 850 Berlina.

Here in the US at least the quarter window rubbers are not avaliable at any source. The rubber is deteriorating and the lock strips are crumbling. the rear seal is still avaliable at one supplier at damn near $200.

My thoughts immediatley turned to the universal seals I remember from decades ago in the JC Whitney catalog. Has anyone used them and can give me an idea whether they are worth my time? googling has turned up nothing.
Jan. 14, 2009 8:23 a.m. stuart in mn Dork

There are a number of aftermarket companies out there that make weatherstrip for classic cars, you may be able to find something that's close enough for your car. They also carry a variety of universal seals and weatherstripping, their catalogs usually show the cross sections so you can find one shaped correctly. Try http://www.metrommp.com/, http://www.steelerubber.com/ or http://www.soffseal.com/ These companies all have high quality product.
Jan. 14, 2009 8:25 a.m. Per Schroeder Technical Editor/Advertising Director

I go to the salvage yard and find something that's close...cut to fit and put a dab of sealant on the resulting seam.

For the Saab 99, I just used quarter window seals from a 900 and cut to fit.
Jan. 14, 2009 8:46 a.m. Jensenman UltimaDork

Per, what seems to stick best to that stuff when gluing the seam?
Jan. 14, 2009 10:06 a.m. Armitage Reader

Any recommendations for places that sell replacement seals for recent (1990's) foreign cars? The part is not available from the dealer.
Jan. 14, 2009 10:19 a.m. Per Schroeder Technical Editor/Advertising Director

Superglue, followed by a dab of Right Stuff.
Jan. 14, 2009 10:19 a.m. davidjs New Reader

Jensenman wrote:

Per, what seems to stick best to that stuff when gluing the seam?

The NAPA near me has "weather stripping" sealant, that's a very goopy black tar like substance. Came in a red and white tube. Waterproof, stays flexible when dry, and sticks like crazy.

(Be careful, it will stick to more than just the weather stripping - oops)
Jan. 14, 2009 10:40 a.m. ClemSparks UberDork

Like hootii?
Jan. 14, 2009 11:25 a.m. ditchdigger Reader

stuart in mn wrote: Try http://www.metrommp.com/>
We might have a winner here Thank you

My other thought was to head down to the aircooled VW shop and check out the cheap "Cal-Look" rubber sets. I am sure I could trim those down to fit.

Jan. 14, 2009 12:39 p.m. stuart in mn Dork

Metro is a good company. They're local to me so I've been able to buy parts from them in person.

As far as adhesive goes, the best is probably 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive. It comes in yellow (often referred to as 'gorilla snot') and black.
Jan. 17, 2009 6:59 p.m. Tyler H Dork

My buddy was restoring and old Land Rover. He met a guy that used to work in auto glass. For $200, said gentleman came over with his toolkit, pulled all of the glass and hand-tailored all new window tracks and seals. He had a supplier in town for the glass channel seals. It was a perfect match to the original seals and looked like it just came off the assy line. Shop around.
Jan. 17, 2009 11:33 p.m. ditchdigger Reader

I wound up dropping a whopping $12 on a aircooled beetle windshield seal. Looks like I will have to remove about 8 inches from it and it should fit. At the worst it will hold the glass almost an eighth of an inch further out from the body. If that goes well I will do the same for the quarter windows. A friend reccomended o-ring splicing adhesive. As soon as the car is finished being painted I will try it out.

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