Title:

Roofrail Weatherstrips

Category:

Weatherstrip

Created:

02/09/2000

Be very careful when purchasing these items. There are still many out there that are made with a harder rubber compound that will prevent your windows from fully rolling up. Make sure the rubber groove for the window frame is
pliable. These seem to be priced the same at all vendors. Deal with someone who does a larger volume in these items and would tend to have the proper version. MAC's in Lockport, NY purchased the stock from Rick Muck's former
parts business called Thunderbird Parts and Restoration. Rick had the correct pliable assemblies, that's where I finally purchased mine. They are a "fun" installation project. You will also need a package of 3M body caulk that is sold by Eastwood, and most DuPont jobbers.

We initially ordered our roofrail weatherstripping from Mac's Antique Auto Parts. After MANY hours of frustration, I called them and told them it just doesn't fit! Someone had told me that the weatherstripping made by Dennis Carpenter was horrible.
Much to Mac's surprise, they tried the weatherstripping on a '63 parts car & admitted it was a terrible fit! Back it went, and I ordered it from Thunderbird Headquarters. Don't get your hopes up just yet; because this one doesn't fit well either, but it's better than Carpenter's. First the THICKNESS of the portion that fits around the rear quarter window had to be
trimmed on the back side because otherwise the window would not roll up. In addition we shortened the length in this same area by a few inches in order for it to go down into the channel at the rear of the quarter window. Now, the front portion of the weatherstripping also had to be modified extensively, because it was so thick that the door would not close by about 6 inches!! First, shave off from the back side as much as you can, and you may also have to modify the strip that runs along the vent window. It doesn't look EXACTLY like the original but it works-- meaning the door will close.

I have found that since the car has been exposed to some sunshine that the new weatherstripping is beginning to take a better shape... but it's still far from perfect!