Truck Door Weatherstrip

[bkohlman]

I am buying some new weatherstrip for my 83 Chevy Scottsdale. I am a novice at best when it comes to auto repair/maintenance do I need any tools or do you have any tips for the install.

 

Here is a link to what I am installing. http://www.lmctruck.com/features/cc/ccwtp.htm

 

Thanks for the information!

 

 

[Nitrofreak]

It's a pretty simple job , you will need a Phillips screw driver to unscrew the foot plate along the bottom of the door opening , remove and set aside , at the bottom of the gasket in the middle of the door opening there should be a seam where the two ends come together , some older models had an insert to keep the rounded part of the gasket mated together and to provide support , like a small solid piece of rubber , pull straight up at the seam and the gasket should lift off of the lip with a little effort , as you look at the gasket some of the older models also used the interior trim to hold the gasket in place as it makes it's way up and around the door opening , be really careful , most all of these were plastic and by now I am sure it's brittle and will brake easily , some others all that you need to do is gently pry it away as you are removing and installing the gasket .

 

Once you have the old gasket removed clean any hardened glue that may be there from the old gasket that wont allow the new gasket to seat firmly against the lip of the opening .

 

Install the new gasket starting in the middle of the bottom door opening , work your way up and around the door opening , as you approach the sharper bends make sure you take your time and fit this area as needed , the gasket has a metal retainer throughout the part that seats to the flange of your truck , this helps the gasket grip to the flange and also helps retain it's shape , work the corners or the sharp bends slowly until it fits properly or your gasket ( if it is  already fit to length ) will be too long by the time you get to mating up the two ends , once you get to where you are ready to join the two , you may have to cut the gasket to length , some companies send you a bulk amount , enough to ensure you can complete the job , as a note , it's always wise to cut a small amount extra if you have never done this before , it's better to have too much than too little at this point , I use a razor blade to cut the thin upper part of the gasket and a saws all to cut the beefy part of the gasket , once you have it cut to fit there should be a small piece of foam or solid rubber to insert into the top portion of the gasket , I like to use a small amount of weather strip adhesive on one end of the insert to make sure it stays in place , as you join the two ends keep the end of the gasket off of the raised seam about 8 inches back from where you are joining them , this will give you ample space to fit the two ends together , it should look like an inch worm as you are fitting the two ends , once together , the slack should be gone and you can press the rest of the gasket into place and reinstall all of the removed parts .