Replacing INNER window weatherstripping on a 'vert

[boy412]

Finally had a nice warm day to work on the 'vert. Figured I'd replace the driver's side window seals, since they were all in pretty bad shape.

Removal was pretty straightforward. And re-installing the OUTER strip was also pretty easy. For the life of me I can't figure out how to re-install the INNER strip. Where I am running into trouble is the section near the tweeter pod and the small "static" window.



There is very little clearance between the door frame and the gasket for that window. I tried sliding it in and got this section about 2/3 of the way in but then it would move no further.

Is there a trick to this? All the other seals were pretty easy, including the vertical seal between the front window and rear window. With all the people restoring E30's these days there must be someone here that knows how to do this. Even a small indy shop I took the car to couldn't do any better than I did. At this point the weatherstripping has gotten pretty beat up and misshapen and will need to be replaced (again).

[boy412]

Bump. Anyone?

[SmokeE30]

You do have a convertible inner right? They are different than coupes.

[boy412]

Yes. The replacement weatherstripping I have is identical in size/shape to the part that I pulled off the car.

[jeffnhiscars]

seems to me mine was clamped to the door panel and I installed it as a unit. I better remember soon since I noticed yesterday that my inner seal is cracking

a little lube always helps where friction and rubber are involved (dont go there). Ideal Cable Pulling Lube is water based so dries without residue and is available at HD

[boy412]

Jeff my door cards definitely don't behave that way. I've had them off lots of times and the weatherstripping always stays put on the door.

The problematic section needs to get stuffed in between the window gasket (for that small "static" window) and door frame. It wasn't too hard to pull out but getting it back in must require a trick or something.

[jeffnhiscars]

Id have to do it again to remember exactly but I think I just worked it and dont recall it being a total biotch.

Sorry not much help

[boy412]

Well you had better do it again soon! :D

I've done way more complex work on this car (timing belt, control arms, etc) so I'm ashamed to be defeated by this stupid piece of weatherstripping. Others have mentioned using some sort of lubricant. I had tried dish soap but was not successful. I've never tried cable pulling lube but thats a pretty good idea.

[jeffnhiscars]

I use it to install CABs....and dish soap will leave a mess

[boy412]

A few more pictures to try and illustrate this problem a bit more clearly. These two show what the indy shop did, which is obviously not correct.

Its hard to see in this photo but the strip should be sitting flush with the gasket for that small static window:



Here is a profile shot where you can see how much lower this strip needs to go. At least another .5cm but it doesn't want to go:

[boy412]

Monday morning bump.

[jeffnhiscars]

Lucky you. I just ordered that rubber strip today so will report back.

[boy412]

That would be excellent Jeff. Take some photos please? :)

[boy412]

This is the piece I'm talking about guys:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Site...42821/ES89365/

[boy412]

Tuesday night bump...