73-75 Header Weatherstrip Seal

[Chief Brody]

Also, did you send them those pics so they can see how theirs are different then the original?

Yes , the photos are included I will give it a week.

Also, after a close look it certainly looks like the original ones are actually three pieces two ends and the long piece...like maybe the end piece were molded first and they are attached later by some process

If I could get a 3D scan of the end pieces, the long tube is easy...that might be a solution as well. The new aftermarket ones are definately molded as one piece.

 

[Chief Brody]

I heard from three manufacturers today:

1. We would not be able to copy the part, we would need a detailed dimensioned drawing. You can send the drawing to my attention.
Regards,
Rubber Industries, Inc.

2. We have the capability to reproduce the part if you have an original in good condition. With that being said our new parts schedule is about 2 years behind.

Thank you,
Steele Rubber Products

3. Metro - I am awaiting further details.

 

[rampage]

How many companies did you contact? Thought you just contacted Soffseal, Precision and Steele.

 

[Chief Brody]

How many companies did you contact? Thought you just contacted Soffseal, Precision and Steele.

I prepared the same email and jetisoned it off to as many companies with real email addresses that I could find,,,I was hopeful that one would bite.
If Metro shows no interest after a very detailed response, then I am done with it.

Now I don't know how much it would cost to get a high resolution 3D scan of it, but I am pretty sure it would be substantial. But I will check with some local places and see...that one place said they could make one if they had the drawing.
Steele didn't say no, but but it sounded like a "maybe" plus 2 years

I really wanted to get this done not only so I could have one that fits, but so it would be available for everyone.

 

[Chief Brody]

I'm taking this over to the big thread. I got a great response from Metro and more people will see it there. And it IS related to the restoration...so I hope I can get an ok

 

[rampage]

I'm taking this over to the big thread. I got a great response from Metro and more people will see it there. And it IS related to the restoration...so I hope I can get an ok

Any updates?

 

[Chief Brody]

Unfortunately, no. Whatever the driver is for re-manufacturing a "new" old part, it just isn't there for this piece. But you never know, someday.... I thought they would never remake the 1973-1974 K5Blazer front fender emblem and also the round cheyenne rear emblems...but they did. It would take more than one guy making a request...they would have to see a large demand I guess. Would've been nice if Steele Rubber would've been interested.

 

[rampage]

I figured. The cost of tooling would probably make the price prohibitive.

 

[Chief Brody]

I figured. The cost of tooling would probably make the price prohibitive.

Probably, but my brain says "It's just a piece of rubber"....how much would you have to put into it. They already make them...they just dont fit. So if somebody could make the current mould more accurate????