When Ford redesigned the Mustang for 1969, it also redesigned the doors and windows. With each Mustang redesign has come fewer and fewer parts to both simplify vehicle assembly and improve cost per unit. Weatherstripping is no exception. There was less of it for '69-'70 along with improved sealing. Instead of parting the door and roof rail weatherstripping at the door's leading edge on top, Ford moved this annoying gap lower toward the door bottom to shut out wind noise and moisture. We're going to take you to Mustangs Etc's new shop in Southern California's San Fernando Valley to show you how professionals perform weatherstrip replacement and how you can achieve the same outstanding results.
Mustang door weatherstripping...
Mustang door weatherstripping for '69-'70 hardtop, convertible, and SportsRoof isn't much different than what we find for '65-'68. Available from Virginia Classic Mustang, it glues on using 3M's Weatherstrip adhesive #8011 and is retained at each end with black anodized sheetmetal screws.
Gilbert Bravo of Mustangs...
Gilbert Bravo of Mustangs Etc. has installed weatherstripping on untold thousands of classic Mustangs through the years. Although you might be tempted to use 3M's Super Weatherstrip Adhesive #8008, Gilbert suggests 3M's Weatherstrip Adhesive #8011 (right, in the red box) for best results.
If you've ever had trouble...
If you've ever had trouble with glue-on weatherstripping coming off, Gilbert will tell you improper preparation was the cause. All weatherstripping should be cleaned thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove the rubber release agent used during manufacture. The release agent is what keeps weatherstripping from sticking.
All contact surfaces must...
All contact surfaces must be hospital clean, which means free of silicone, rubbing compound, and other contaminants. Use surface prep cleaner or brake cleaner to prevent paint damage.
Gilbert uses 3M Weatherstrip...
Gilbert uses 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive #8011 in very limited amounts to prevent oozing. Although some restorers use yellow, Gilbert stresses the use of black.
Once applied, use an acid...
Once applied, use an acid brush to spread the adhesive. Weatherstrip Adhesive is also applied to the door and allowed to tack off (get sticky) before installation. You want this stuff tacky, but not dry when installation begins.
Installation begins at the...
Installation begins at the door jam with three black anodized sheetmetal screws. Snug them down, but do not tighten until weatherstrip installation is complete.
With Weatherstrip Adhesive...
With Weatherstrip Adhesive tacky, Gilbert presses the weatherstrip into place following the door's perimeter.
Door weatherstrip is screwed...
Door weatherstrip is screwed into place here before working all of it into place. This allows Gilbert to take up any slack in the middle.
Weatherstrip is tucked into...
Weatherstrip is tucked into the bottom guide rail as shown. Gilbert suggests being very gentle to avoid weatherstrip damage.
Any areas where weatherstrip...
Any areas where weatherstrip isn't secure get a small dose of Weatherstrip Adhesive, which is allowed to tack off before the weatherstrip is pressed into place.
Installation should look this...
Installation should look this good when you're finished with the door.
Roof rail weatherstripping...
Roof rail weatherstripping is next. Gilbert applies 3M's Weatherstrip Adhesive #8011 sparingly as shown before using an acid brush to spread it out. Ford didn't use adhesive in this application 40 years ago. However, for added security, Gilbert suggests minute amounts of adhesive.
The roof rail guide is tightened...
The roof rail guide is tightened up firmly before weatherstrip goes in. Gilbert will apply a very thin film of Weatherstrip Adhesive with an acid brush and allow it to tack off before installation.
Next, we're going to lay down...
Next, we're going to lay down 3M's Rope Caulk #08578 (also called "dumb-dumb") at the quarter window to provide a tight seal between the weatherstrip and body. Rope Caulk stays flexible and will not leak.
Here, we're laying in the...
Here, we're laying in the roof rail weatherstrip for our Mustang SportsRoof. Three threaded studs secure this weatherstrip at the quarter window, which means the quarter window must be removed. For that to happen, you've got to remove the interior quarter trim panel and rear seat.
Roof rail weatherstripping...
Roof rail weatherstripping is secured via three Tinnerman's nuts. You're going to need a 3/8-inch socket to snug them up.
Gilbert applies a thin film...
Gilbert applies a thin film of Weatherstrip Adhesive to the roof rail guide. An acid brush will be used to spread it.
The roof rail weatherstrip...
The roof rail weatherstrip is secured at the A-pillar before being tucked into the guide. Gilbert suggests this in order to take up any slack toward the middle on top. It's less obvious up there and won't adversely affect sealing if it happens.
Gilbert gently tucks the roof...
Gilbert gently tucks the roof rail weatherstrip into the guide and presses into place.
Mustang doors have always...
Mustang doors have always had external weatherstrips and internal felts. For '69-'70, Ford continued this practice only with window felts attached to the door panels (Sports Interior with molded door panels) or window sills (standard interior). Here, the external weatherstrip is popped into place via spring clips. Make sure the window glass is below the weatherstrip line.
A small countersunk sheetmetal...
A small countersunk sheetmetal screw secures weatherstrip at the door end. Believe it or not, it's a good idea to drill 1/16-inch holes carefully along this weatherstrip and use sheetmetal screws because window glass tends to pull the weatherstripping out. This can especially be a problem for '65-'68 Mustangs.
The inner weatherstrip mentioned...
The inner weatherstrip mentioned earlier is secured with staples. Drill two 3/16-inch holes staple-width apart for each staple or arm yourself with a good pneumatic staple gun and be careful.
Staples are crimped with channel...
Staples are crimped with channel locks or vice grips. Take care not to damage the weatherstrip felt.
Vertical glass weatherstrip...
Vertical glass weatherstrip is an easy slide out and slide in involving a single sheetmetal screw. In some '69-'70 applications, this vertical weatherstrip is on the quarter window instead of the door glass.