C3 - 1971: Weatherstripping

[Greg F.]

Guys,

I looked in the archives but couldn't find an answer for this question.

I want to get weatherstripping for my windshield and pillar posts as well as my doors (I'm eventually doing the rest of the car). My car is a very original driver and I'm planning to have it judged some day. I want to get correct parts. Does it matter where I get the weatherstripping? I've been looking at Dr Rebuild, Paragon, Corv Central etc. Can anyone make a recommendation? I've heard some places seem to have "hard" versus "soft" material as well. I'm guessing the "soft" is best. Also, do I need to get additional parts (screws, retainers, washers, etc)?

Thanks in advance,
Greg

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 - 1971: Weatherstripping

Guys,

I looked in the archives but couldn't find an answer for this question.

I want to get weatherstripping for my windshield and pillar posts as well as my doors (I'm eventually doing the rest of the car). My car is a very original driver and I'm planning to have it judged some day. I want to get correct parts. Does it matter where I get the weatherstripping? I've been looking at Dr Rebuild, Paragon, Corv Central etc. Can anyone make a recommendation? I've heard some places seem to have "hard" versus "soft" material as well. I'm guessing the "soft" is best. Also, do I need to get additional parts (screws, retainers, washers, etc)?

Thanks in advance,
Greg

Greg------


There are several different manufacturing sources for most of the weatherstrip. How the size of the market justifies multiple sources is beyond me, but I believe that's how it is. However, there's no one manufacturer that does the best job manufacturing each and every piece of weatherstrip. I have found that Dr. Rebuild has done a very good job of identifying the best manufacturer for EACH piece of weatherstrip and that's what they sell.

As far as other hardware necessary, it's hard to say. For the most part, you should be able to re-use existing hardware and you should strive to do so if originality is of concern to you. You're very unlikely to find many pieces of replacement hardware that are identical to the originals. None of this hardware is a safety-related issue, so you don't need to be concerned about it from that perspective.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 - 1971: Weatherstripping

Greg, there are at least three distinct manufacturers of those pieces. One, being the cheapest, is just a will fit replacement. The most common, I believe made by Corvette Rubber, is close, fits good, but is of a harder rubber than the original. The last, and most expensive, is softer, seems to be made of a latex? foam. It has/did have a made in Canada label on it as did the GM rubber. As for who stocks what, I do not have a clue, but I would check with the advertisers in the NCRS Driveline

[Grant W.]

Re: C3 - 1971: Weatherstripping

Hi Greg
There is the original NOS first design which the rubber is thicker and more dense. NOS parts from the early 70's to very late 70's.
Then we have the 80's NOS parts made from Canada which is a little smaller in size but same dense foam.
Then we have repops from most suppliers which are thin and less dense and to me not the best if you are doing a car right. Some repops are same thickness but the material is less dense.
The only alternative is to find NOS ones from the early 70's. They are around. Just a little more $$$$ actually a lot more$$$$. I put NOS ones from the late 68 69 issues and they are just like the originals. When you close the door then you will notice the difference.
Thanks, Grant