Body / Glass: Fail number 2

[Slick111]

Not to happy with the repo windshield seals this is the second one to fail on installing it.I body work blended - sanded bondo smooth painted inside and out saturated with soap water have done probably 15 windshields in my builds in past years seeing the sloppy mold joint out of the bag kept it away from the corners any one else having this issue

[yeroldad]

I wouldn't be surprised if you are stuck with what you get. The last window I put in was my '53 Commander rear window. Them windows aren't cheap, so I was very careful. Needless to say, that is not an easy window to install. If you look in the book, or see a 'video', there are 4 guys putting one in! When I pulled the seal out of the box, the first thing that came to mind was it looked exactly like a '56 (5-6-7) Chev car windshield seal. I have done at least 100 front/rear window installs on many different makes over the years. The corners were not molded to fit the bottom front. I had a *ell of a time heating, jamming, cussing, putting scraps of wood between the seal and body, and the trim, to hold it in with Ultra Silicone in hopes it would hold the seal in place. It came out all right, no leaks, but what a major PITA! Lesson learned: it's getting impossible to find the proper fitting seals on old vehicles, and because there's something close, that's what they sell you. Leave ya to deal with it. GRRR!

[Slick111]

I gave up putting the stainless trim on 3 tries was simply to thick could not get the windshield to slip under top drip rail when starting with the bottom in first as I have always done it. Then tried top in first nope. I and finaly took it all back apart examining the new seal to the old original chunk I pulled out of the trash the new seal glass channel is shallow -thicker / not deep enough for the glass to set into both new seals are like that with the trim off there is enough squish to go in.The last front and rear glass I did was 20 years ago on a 58 impala seals came frome Steel rubber products fit perfect definatly molded and made to fit that car but they dont offer seals for Studebaker.

[BRUCESTUDE]

The repro front seal for my ‘51 left a lot to be desired, namely the corners didn’t fit good at all. After sitting for a few months 3 of the corners “settled down “. I haven’t tried to install the stainless trim yet…..

[mbstude]

Not to happy with the repo windshield seals this is the second one to fail on installing it.

Did you call the vendor you purchased it from and let them know?

You didn't mention what car you're working on, but on the C/K models, there are multiple manufactures / suppliers for front and rear window gaskets that are all currently on the market.

A gasket from a different vendor could yield a different outcome.

[Slick111]

Working on a 54 C body both seals had no Mfg info just a sharpie marking saying C& K body windshield on the plastic bag first one came with the car when I bought it 1 year ago was told the seal came from a vender in AZ about 3 years old still in the bag .Second seal was a gift Dec 25 ordered of this website in a full car set but came in seperate shipments as the bill said out of stock back ordered got them later. Now is the time to let me know who where is the best place - manufacture to order from ???

[Tired iron]

I am waiting for the answer to your question as well. I see various manufacturers and prices ranging from 110 to 230 bucks...and I dont want to have another tale of woe to share after doing my windshield on my 56 goldenhawk.

[StudeRich]

It sounds like Slick's seals both came from Studebaker Parts.com, but it matters sometimes as to when they were made.
Rubber Suppliers have changed a lot over the years, a good portion of all Weatherstrips Used to be made by Hennesy and they always Fit.
So they (Russ and Sharon) would be the ones to ask about them.

[Slick111]

Hennesy contact info I looked through March issue TW no vender listed that name ?

[skyway]

Mr Hennessy’s daughter took over for a bit & then sold out, perhaps to Russ Ware?

[christophe]

The right name is Fennessy.

[Slick111]

At this point I am willing to step up $ to a mint NOS if there is one left in the world

[mbstude]

Bill Fennessey passed away more than a decade ago.

At this point I am willing to step up $ to a mint NOS if there is one left in the world

I just sent you a private message.


.

[skyway]

Yes, Fennessey; my bad😬

[StudeRich]

Funny how you remember lots of things after someone reminds you !
It's My fault I started it.

I think it was Fennessey from Tennesee !

[Jeffry Cassel]

Talked to Brian, the local car restorer (he is really good!) and he said the problem is universal; replacement weather strip just does not fit. It is too thick and too non-compliant - ie stiff. (And too expensive!) I use Dow-Corning vacuum grease on windshield seals and warm them up well before trying to install them . And get at least one helper! Use the string method. I try hard not to replace weatherstrips - the door probably won't leak but it won't ever close easily again, either. (We can thank our Chinese friends for Covid, illfitting weatherstrip and exploding phones.)