Okay so I installed new door seals, new window squeegie things and new roof rail seals in my 'pontiac' drivers door. Heres my problem. These OER (brand) seals are pretty tough. So much so in fact, I cant get my door to shut all the way. I didnt buy the OER seals, they came with the car. I know theyre not the best, but theyre better than the seals the car didnt have when I bought it. Anyway, I have the drivers side installed and Im as nervous as a hooker in church about putting the psgr door together. So, my question, as hamfisted as it sounds is... Can I use a rachet strap to gently pull the doors against each other until the door is shut, or at least to keep tension on the doors until the seals squish down?

I saw a vid on youtube from a nice guy who explained the differences between the brands, and explained why the GM piece was better. That being said, The OER piece installed easily and lined up nice, its just TOO thick right now.

Thoughts?

Nate

 

Nate, I wouldn't ratchet strap the doors,you can easily damage them. Some weatherstrip may be thicker than others.We carry the Metro and also origional GM seals.

The ones you have will more than likely wear in over time,but they won't flatten out with a ratchet strap.

 

*sigh* sometimes you wish you did more due dilligence. I cant say the OER stuff is a bad product. It was super easy to install, everything lined up. BUT, its incredibly annoying not to be able to shut my door LOL. Good thing I still have to buff and polish the car and install the interior.

Tony, thanks for your time

 

No prob. bud,anytime

 

I will also be putting all new seals in I purchased a metro kit.are you just suppossed to shut the door hard and let the weatherstrip break in?

 

yeah you have to shut it a little harder, it will eventually get easier.
i think within a week

heh you think shutting the doors is trouble. try the hatch.
though it could be my locking mechanism..
idk i would try to slam it shut like always and it'd fly back up

 

Would heating them up with a heat gun make them softer and thus more pliable? It might be worth a shot. I would just worry about damaging them and making them harder (and brittle) if too much heat is applied?

 

Heating them up can actually damage them. not recommended. I tried to heat my ttop weatherstripping for an easier removal and found they just fell apart with the heat. Not something you want to do to new weatherstripping.