Door weather-stripping (seals) replacement

[455firebird1969]

I have a new set of Original Equipment Reproduction (OER) door seals for my t-top 2000 Formula. The instructions have you working the seal into different areas and affixing with existing screws. Adjacent to the upper door hinge a butyl seal is used on the backside of the seal (as needed) and then using the (supplied push pin) to hold that corner in place. The kit came with two screws vice push pins, so I plan on using them where the instructions call for the push pins. The instructions do not call for any adhesive anywhere, other than the provided butyl seal in that one corner.

If there is anyone who has done this job, maybe you can answer a couple questions I have before I begin.

The instructions do not address removing the old seal. It sounds like the OEM (original) seals will come out easily, like they have a compression fit and will put out easily, once the screws are removed. Is this the case? Will the old seals come out easily (not glued in place), or are they attached with adhesive?

Do I need any adhesive to install these new seals, or should I plan on doing it without adhesive, as the instructions suggest?

This car is my daily driver, I'm hoping to do this tomorrow without any unforeseen problems, any insight to this job is appreciated.

[455firebird1969]

I finally found time to install the weatherstripping on my firebird. I did the passenger side first, so a if there was any learning to be gained, I would learn it on the side of the car I rarely use or see.

In regards to my question, no, the factory weatherstripping is not glued in place, after removing a couple screws it simply pulls-off in a matter of minutes.

Following the instructions provided with the weatherstripping the passenger side went on fine, it took about 30-45 minutes to replace the weatherstripping on the that side of the car.

The drivers side went on faster, because I had the experience from doing the other side. Keep in mind these weather strips have pre-located screw holes, in the locations where the OEM decided screws were required to hold everything in place.

After installing the drivers side, I closed the door and watched the weatherstripping tear before my very eyes. It started slow, and continued until the entire seal separated, in the upper aft corner of the window seal, on the drivers side.

I went for a test drive and there is a whistle adjacent to my ear now, because of this separation where a seam was placed.

I guess I should be happy, I know everything is made in China, and one side actually seems to be fine, unlike the other.

[455firebird1969]

Another picture with the door open.

[eric_cspan]

I'm looking into this for you.