Car enthusiasts - let’s face it, weatherstripping is not the first thing that comes to your mind when you decide to start your restoration project. However, unknowingly for most – proper weatherstripping is a crucial element to keep your investment in good shape for the long haul.
What is Weatherstripping?
Weatherstripping is a seal, mostly made of rubber, that protects your vehicle from outside elements like debris, rain, snow, etc. Why is it so important? Not having adequate weatherstripping on your vehicle can lead to many problems, including but not limited to:
●Water leaks
●Wind noise and window rattling
●Shorter lifespan of vehicle’s upholstery and carpets
●Vehicle’s cabin can have trouble keeping cold or hot air in
●Sluggish or dragging windows
Understanding the importance of weatherstripping on your vehicle is the first step to enjoying a smooth and comfortable ride – you deserve it, after all the money, time and effort spent in building your dream ride.
When do I Need to Replace my Weatherstripping?
Over time, weatherstripping will show signs of aging just like everything else. So, how do you know when it's time to replace your current seals? We've got compiled this list of things to lookout for.
●Visible wear and tear - it's dried out, cracking, discolored, deteriorated or drooping.
●If the vehicle is over 25 years old and still has original weatherstripping. When that vehicle was manufactured the rubber compounds used to make these parts weren't as good as they are now.
●Noisy ride - wind noise, rattling windows and in some cases amplified road noise.
●Water leaks - if you find water in your vehicle, trace it back to the origin. It could be a bad seal, but it could be a number of other things as well.
●Lost its shape - looks deflated or flattened so much that it isn't creating a positive seal. How to tell if your rubber has a positive seal? Here a step-by-step of the Dollar Bill Test.
No give - visibly it may look fine, but it's brittle and hard as a rock.
For a more detailed description of the list above, check out our full article When to Replace Your Weatherstripping.
Weatherstripping Maintenance
Keeping your vehicle’s weatherstripping in good shape is not rocket science – soap and water is all that is needed. Also, we highly recommend not using any lubricants or chemicals, since their use can be detrimental and may indeed cause permanent damage to your seals – removing all the benefits to your classic vehicle as explained in this article.
If you are interested in learning more, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to provide you with more information,
samples, and a competitive quote.
