The new reproduction door...
The new reproduction door opening weatherstripping comes one to a package, so make sure you order two to complete a car. The weatherstripping is not side specific.
It isn't uncommon to see the...
It isn't uncommon to see the door opening weatherstripping totally ripped away from the pinch on back bone.
The door scuff plate is the...
The door scuff plate is the first item removed. Four self tapping screws retain the scuff plate to the rocker panel.
The front kick panel assembly...
The front kick panel assembly is removed by releasing the long plastic trim plug (it resides in the forward hole show here) and the short plastic plug found below the door jamb switch.
On coupes and hatchbacks carefully...
On coupes and hatchbacks carefully pry the upper trim at the edge of the headliner off. You can do this with a trim tool or oh-so-carefully with a small screwdriver.
With the trim removed you...
With the trim removed you will see two screws, one at each end, holding the A-pillar and B-pillar trim in place. Remove these two screws, as well as the speaker grille and the A-pillar trim itself. Continue with the B-pillar trim by removing the cover from the seatbelt D-ring and then the Torx bolt that retains the D-ring.
There are two more screws...
There are two more screws that hold the B-pillar trim in place. Once these are removed you can carefully pull the plastic trim away from the B-pillar.
The OE seam for the weatherstripping...
The OE seam for the weatherstripping will be along the bottom of the door, usually towards the rear. Grab one end of the weatherstripping and pull the weatherstripping free of the pinch weld.
Install the new weatherstripping...
Install the new weatherstripping with the starting end in the same location as the OE weatherstripping.
Carefully push the weatherstripping...
Carefully push the weatherstripping into place until you reach the spot where you started. Adding a small amount to compensate for shrinkage, cut the excess weatherstripping off cleanly with a utility knife or other cutting device.
Push the remaining end in...
Push the remaining end in place for a seamless looking butt connection, such as what is shown here.
When reinstalling the removed...
When reinstalling the removed trim items a trim panel tool will help you slide the B-pillar trim back over the new weatherstripping. A squirt of silicone spray or other "slippery" spray will also help.
As an owner of a late-model Mustang, I keep tabs on what is and isn't available from Ford. Soft trim items, such as door panels and seat covers, are usually the first to become obsolete. Weatherstripping and other hard rubber parts usually aren't far behind. Many T-top owners are already aware of this problem.
Not long ago, a "reproduction part for a late-model" was considered an oxymoron. But now, through the courses of supply and demand, many of these late-model specific parts are beginning to be reproduced, like weatherstripping.
While it is true the Ford weatherstripping is still available for most applications, some are no longer available or their cost is much higher than a reproduction. This couples with the fact that the quality of reproduction weatherstripping is right up there with the Ford piece. This makes buying reproduction weatherstripping an easy choice.
We turned to Classic Mustang's late-model division for a set of door opening weatherstripping for one of our project cars. These are the most commonly replaced rubber parts on a Mustang and the following instructions will work for all body styles, coupe, hatchback, convertible, and T-top Mustangs.