replacing sliding window weather stripping

[dieselndixie]

Well, my windows wouldnt even slide any more due to torn up guides/weather stripping. so i order some new stuff.

what is the best way to replace the felt like material that goes in the sliding window grooves?

i have the windows totally removed from the top...next i will be asking how to put the window assembly back in

 

[4x4orbust]

are the windows metal sash or vinyl? if metal, take the screw out of the corner and gently pry it apart enough to grad the felt and slide it out the end. install new stuff, cut it after you install it, and push corner back together, put screw back in. then do the next in the same fashion.

 

[lectric80]

Not sure where you ordered it from, but the only stuff I was able to find isn't worth the time. It was very thin, doesn't fill the channel, and doesn't seal at all. It may allow you to open the sliders, but you are going to gain a lot of wind noise.

As for installing them, the windows don't come apart to install it. When I did the one window, I carefully removed the old stuff with the slider all the way open and the 'stop' removed from the back of the channel. If you can't slide the windows at all you are going to have a really tough time doing it. The factory felt includes a large plastic base that fills the channel, and after 30+ years it isn't flexible.

Once I got the old stuff out, I was able to slide the new stuff in. But as I said it just doesn't fit right or work. One option might be to install the new stuff into the existing felt, but I don't think there is enough room.

 

[4x4orbust]

there are many different felt pile heights and widths, as well as many different backing sizes. be sure that the new stuff you ordered matches the stuff you are replacing exactly.

 

[dieselndixie]

well, i ordered mine from LMC, I hope they work...the stock ones are SHOT

so am i understanding you right...you have to "snake" them out and them feed them back in?

 

[Cornfield creations]

I had a local glass shop do mine. THey said $100 to replace both felts. I figured they knew what they were doing. My windows leaked so bad with the new stuff I couldn't even wash it anymore without towels below the windows. They scratched my tint, and broke my latches because they pulled so hard on them when they couldn't get the windows closed. Now they no longer latch with NOS GM latches.

Be sure you got the right stuff. Factory allowed water to seep through the bottom and out the drain holes.

 

[496truck]

The good fix, replace with one piece (non sliding) rear windows.

 

[dieselndixie]

yeah, but man, in Texas...it gets hot with out those windows open. Plus I camp in it...Im gonna try the new LMC kit i got. I just need to know the proper procedure. Sounds like I have to pull it out from under and around the window, and then slide the new ones back the same way...

 

[dieselndixie]

well, i started at the windows, and found that what was stopping the window from sliding, was the "felt" cracking off and breaking. My felt was nothing like felt at all....just dry brittle hardened plastic. (see pics)

I was able to remove all of the broken and glued on stripping from the sliding portion of the window. Then I opened up my box of brand new weather stripping. What the.....

Yall were right, its nooooo where near as thick as the original. There is no way that is going to do anything......right? Its flat, you just fold it up to fit. Is this a waste of time to even try? It wasnt cheap.

If you think I should return this thin stuff...then what do you recommend I do?

 

[lectric80]

That's what I got for mine, and although the windows would slide, they don't seal and I can't see anyway that would ever work well. My thought, before I put in solid windows, was to get a bit of styrofoam and glue it into the channel, then glue the felt in. This would fill the gap but I don't know how easy it would be to do.

 

[dieselndixie]

man, maybe im just stubborn, but i REALLY want to keep the sliding windows. I have hunted out of them in the cold, and they are perfect for smoking out of

anyway, im entertaining any and all thoughts...would there be a way, to put the weather stripping in place and they shoot that "foaming filler" stuff behind it?

How bad is wind noise, leaking, etc?

 

[lectric80]

Hard to say, my truck leaks air everywhere so I just noticed a slight increase. As for water leaks, unless it was raining directly on the window it wasn't too bad, but I didn't keep those windows for very long after I swapped.