818C Door Weatherstripping

[LearningCurve]

I have started the dreaded process of installing the power windows in the doors. Even before I get started with the alignment, I am having issues with the weatherstripping that goes around the door frame. Anyone have any tips on this or are there better options out there then the supplied flocked weatherstripping. Getting it stay in the place in the bend in the door is near impossible.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CNihcFoGgFMcnKMB6

[Ajzride]

A lot of what Art posts up in unattainable for us mere mortals, but his windows advice doesn't seem too extreme:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?20434-Art-s-818-build&p=403526&viewfull=1#post403526

[LearningCurve]

A lot of what Art posts up in unattainable for us mere mortals, but his windows advice doesn't seem too extreme:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?20434-Art-s-818-build&p=403526&viewfull=1#post403526


Thanks Ajzride. I had pretty much given up on reading Art's build thread because it it so insanely impressive and when I go back to my work I just feel bad. Art, you doing amazing things, but come on man....

I have already started trimming the door frame since it was clear it was going to be too thick for just about any weatherstripping. I will order up some of the stuff Art suggested and see if that works out any better.

[aquillen]

I used this from Amazon - sold by M M Seals. Search Amazon for part number A082-10F

Trim Seal with Side Bulb | PVC Plastic Trim with EPDM Rubber Bulb Seal | Fits 1/4” Edge, 3/8” Bulb Seal Diameter

I chose it because of the 1/4" edge opening (and the bulb size of course) which is closer to fitting that fat lip on the 818. FFR tech told me to grind the lip down to fit their rubber - not sure I like that. Heck I still ground a little of it in one area for this Amazon - the lip was really thick on the passenger side near the top back area.

My windows are pretty hard on this when going up, starting about 1/4 way up to about half up, only along the car's back window frame edge. It would probably tear eventually. So I'm adding a wrap of Steele Rubber Products bowdrill cloth along the back edge, number 70-1175-65. I played around with it but didn't want to put the whole thing together until after painting and then do it as part of the "final assembly". The bowdrill costs enough that you don't want to just try fit and then end up needing more if you pull it apart to paint.

[LearningCurve]

I used this from Amazon - sold by M M Seals. Search Amazon for part number A082-10F

Trim Seal with Side Bulb | PVC Plastic Trim with EPDM Rubber Bulb Seal | Fits 1/4” Edge, 3/8” Bulb Seal Diameter

I chose it because of the 1/4" edge opening (and the bulb size of course) which is closer to fitting that fat lip on the 818. FFR tech told me to grind the lip down to fit their rubber - not sure I like that. Heck I still ground a little of it in one area for this Amazon - the lip was really thick on the passenger side near the top back area.

My windows are pretty hard on this when going up, starting about 1/4 way up to about half up, only along the car's back window frame edge. It would probably tear eventually. So I'm adding a wrap of Steele Rubber Products bowdrill cloth along the back edge, number 70-1175-65. I played around with it but didn't want to put the whole thing together until after painting and then do it as part of the "final assembly". The bowdrill costs enough that you don't want to just try fit and then end up needing more if you pull it apart to paint.



I had much better success with the alternate weatherstripping. Without the door shell in place I am able to get the window fairly well aligned but still have about an 1/8th inch gap when the window is at the top point between the glass and the weatherstripping. No amount of adjusting seems to be able to close this gap. I also have the problem of trying to put the window up with the door closed. The window is very tight against the weatherstripping at the bottom of the door. Next I am trying to get the door shell aligned so I can make the leap of cutting a hole for the window to pass through.

[aquillen]

From reading threads around the forum it is often the doors that challenge builders - pretty much on every model FFR. I put more hours in the doors than anything but my CF intake.

[sgarrett]

I ordered some of that weatherstripping and should have it tomorrow. Not ready yet for it but it will be here when I need it. Glad to hear it has worked well for a couple people now and thanks for finding it Art!

I also say the doors are challenging. Every time I tweak one thing it throws everything out of whack. But I will still contend the wiring harness has been the least satisfying and biggest time commit so far by a long shot. We'll see if the doors and windows overtake it....