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Driver Window strange seal problem

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Old Jun 13, 2012 | 03:27 PM
  #1  
viperprime's Avatar
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Driver Window strange seal problem

First, I'm talking about a 1990 Firebird Formula w/ t-tops.
I just installed new weatherstripping all-around on the car, now I have this really strange problem with the drivers side window in that it hits the top-corner of the a-pillar (Where it meets the T-Top) first and then leaves a gap at the bottom edge of the A-Pillar and at the top-rear of the window where it meets the t-top.

I had adjusted the T-Tops first as-per instructions that came with the new seals and the window is actually hitting the A-Pillar seal and stopping. This was not a problem (To this degree) before the new seals. I have been fiddling with this for a week now and cannot get this window to seal. Any ideas?

I've included a crude drawing to show what's happening.
Attached Thumbnails Driver Window strange seal problem-window.png   Driver Window strange seal problem-t-top.jpg   Driver Window strange seal problem-b-pillar.jpg  

Last edited by viperprime; Jun 13, 2012 at 03:33 PM. Reason: Upload Picsures
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Old Jun 13, 2012 | 09:12 PM
  #2  
cdoyle's Avatar
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Re: Driver Window strange seal problem

You'll need to take the door panel off and adjust the window.
There are a few adjustments you can make, to get it lined up. I just replaced my T-Top weatherstripping and had to do the same thing.

https://www.thirdgen.org/windowadjust
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Old Jun 13, 2012 | 09:26 PM
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mantaguy's Avatar
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Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: Driver Window strange seal problem

I think you adjusted the T Tops incorrectly,by the looks in the pic,they need to come down to lineup with the windshield post.When you first replace the T Top w/s ,it's going to be real tight to close them.let them sit(closed) for a couple of days to take form.
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 03:04 PM
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Car: 1982 Recaro TA, 1989 TTA#948
Re: Driver Window strange seal problem

What brand of weatherstripping did you install?
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 08:40 AM
  #5  
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From: Killingly, CT
Car: '82 Camaro Z28 (Former Pace car)
Engine: 85 5.7L Small Block
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 96 disc LT1 3.23 Auburn 10 bolt.
Re: Driver Window strange seal problem

I know what your saying. mine does relatively the same thing. but the opposite angle
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 12:23 PM
  #6  
erik69&85's Avatar
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Re: Driver Window strange seal problem

Welcome to the world of window adjusting....For me, i just spent a lot of time playing with the positions of all of the nuts and bolts that hold the whole thing together. There are adjustments for up and down stops, angles front and back, etc.

When i redo a do, i give myself a good hour to get everything to fit right and get good window sealing....then a few days later i go back where i got frustrated and try to finish the job....

but hey... now i have stopped the window leaks!
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 05:44 PM
  #7  
viperprime's Avatar
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Re: Driver Window strange seal problem

I think I got it (Mostly anyway).

It was in fact the T-Top giving me the problem. I actually had to raise the front a bit. It's not exactly how I wanted it to look, but everything seals.

I think 82tarecaro hit the nail on the head.
Lesson Learned: Don't mix brands of weatherstrip!

I Used OER for the T-Tops and used Metro for the Doors. They actually lined up pretty good, but they are molded out of WAY different material that react differently.

So for now things seem to be ok. Time to get the garden hose out......
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 05:57 PM
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Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: Driver Window strange seal problem

Originally Posted by viperprime
I think I got it (Mostly anyway).

It was in fact the T-Top giving me the problem. I actually had to raise the front a bit. It's not exactly how I wanted it to look, but everything seals.

I think 82tarecaro hit the nail on the head.
Lesson Learned: Don't mix brands of weatherstrip!

I Used OER for the T-Tops and used Metro for the Doors. They actually lined up pretty good, but they are molded out of WAY different material that react differently.

So for now things seem to be ok. Time to get the garden hose out......
Let them sit for a couple days to take shape,don't rush it.be patient.
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