C2 Vent window weatherstrip
Just finished refurbishing the right door components of my 1964 convertible. Repaired / rebuilt the vent window regulator and installed new weather stripping & felt on the door and window tracks. I also replaced both weather strip pieces in my vent window. All went pretty easy thanks to several great document found in the archives and comments in threads -- except for one issue, read on please.
I have a question for anyone that has replaced the vent window weather strips. The one I refurbished is so tight that it is impossible to close the vent window by just cranking the handle. The problem is that last quarter turn of the handle to completely shut the window and get the glass into the seats of the weather strip. I know if I forced the handle I would break the regulator.
To close the vent I have to apply pressure to the corners of the window as I crank that last quarter turn - then it will completely shut. It seems like the weather stripping is 10 to 20% larger (thicker) than it needs to be. I put a bit of WD 40 along the edge of the glass and on the metal fame to lubricate the surfaces that are very tight. This helps some. I bought the weather stripping from Paragon.
I had the vent window frame out on my work bench when I removed the old dry rotted pieces and installed the new ones - I am 100% positive that the new rubber pieces are completely seated in the frame.
Did I do something wrong; am I dealing with poor quality replacement parts or, will the rubber eventually shrink and "settle in" after some time? I am keeping the window closed so there is constant pressure on the (oversize) rubber, hoping that it will take on the shape (and size) of the window.
BTW - I may be telling you all something you already know and do but to be safe..... when I had the door, door panel and window hardware out and on my workbench I ran all the stainless steel bright work over my 6" cotton wheel with some red jeweler's rouge. My pieces are all original and were looking a bid dull. They look new and are significantly brighter after the polishing - definitely worth the time, and not difficult to do.
I have a question for anyone that has replaced the vent window weather strips. The one I refurbished is so tight that it is impossible to close the vent window by just cranking the handle. The problem is that last quarter turn of the handle to completely shut the window and get the glass into the seats of the weather strip. I know if I forced the handle I would break the regulator.
To close the vent I have to apply pressure to the corners of the window as I crank that last quarter turn - then it will completely shut. It seems like the weather stripping is 10 to 20% larger (thicker) than it needs to be. I put a bit of WD 40 along the edge of the glass and on the metal fame to lubricate the surfaces that are very tight. This helps some. I bought the weather stripping from Paragon.
I had the vent window frame out on my work bench when I removed the old dry rotted pieces and installed the new ones - I am 100% positive that the new rubber pieces are completely seated in the frame.
Did I do something wrong; am I dealing with poor quality replacement parts or, will the rubber eventually shrink and "settle in" after some time? I am keeping the window closed so there is constant pressure on the (oversize) rubber, hoping that it will take on the shape (and size) of the window.
BTW - I may be telling you all something you already know and do but to be safe..... when I had the door, door panel and window hardware out and on my workbench I ran all the stainless steel bright work over my 6" cotton wheel with some red jeweler's rouge. My pieces are all original and were looking a bid dull. They look new and are significantly brighter after the polishing - definitely worth the time, and not difficult to do.
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