Weatherstripping: The Most Overlooked Item
Just about the last thing you’d be excited about on a car is weatherstripping. You’re focused on what engine, the color of the car, and what wheels. Weatherstripping is often at the bottom of the totem pole for a car build.
However, weatherstripping is one of the most important items with a classic car.
Why Is Weatherstripping Important?
Is weatherstripping really that important? Simply put – yes. Think about everywhere there is weatherstripping on the car. There are a host of issues that can arise from bad weatherstripping.
- Wind Noise
- Hot and Cold Air Leaks
- Rattling With Windows and Doors
- Hard To Operate Windows and Doors
- Water Leaks
- Possibly Lose Windshields
On most classics, the rubber weatherstripping is what holds in the windshields. If they dry out and crack, you could lose your windshield. If it’s hot out and you have your air conditioning going, it won’t be nearly as efficient if the rubber seals are bad and letting in hot air. Those air leaks can squeal and make all sorts of noise that aren’t very nice to hear when driving down the road either.
How To Know When To Replace Your Weatherstripping
Sometimes the weatherstripping is obviously in bad shape. Seeing things like cracked or completely missing weatherstripping is a good indication. Other times the weatherstripping might look like it’s in good shape, but it’s not doing its job. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your weatherstripping?
- Visible damage: Look for signs like cracking, drying out, discoloration, or sagging.
- Age of your vehicle: If your classic car or truck is over 25 years old and still has the original seals, remember that older rubber compounds weren’t as durable as today’s materials.
- Increased noise: If you’re noticing more wind noise, rattling windows, or louder road sounds during your drive, it could be the weatherstripping.
- Water leaks: Water inside your vehicle, or trunk is often a sign of failing seals. Check to see if the weatherstripping is the source.
- Seal separation: If window seals are pulling away from the edges of your car, it’s a clear indication of failure.
- Flattened seals: If the weatherstripping has lost its shape and looks deflated, it may no longer create a good seal.
- Hard and brittle seals: Even if they look okay, if the weatherstripping feels stiff and brittle, it’s time for a replacement.
Weatherstripping that isn’t in good shape can cause lots of different issues. Some are just an inconvenience, such as extra wind noise. Others like leaking water, can cause rust and rot which can be expensive to repair.
How To Prolong The Use Of Your Weatherstripping
Keeping your weatherstripping in good condition will not only prolong its life but prolong the life of your car. There are a few things you can do to help with this.
Protection: Keeping your weatherstripping out of the elements will help the most. This means your car is covered by a garage or a soft cover. Keeping the sun and elements off the weatherstripping will greatly improve its longevity.
Cleaning: Taking a wet cloth and wiping down the weatherstripping to keep dust and dirt off helps. When dirt and water collect, this can cause the weatherstripping to fail prematurely.
DON’T: Do not use any sort of chemicals, lubricants, preservatives, or softeners on them. Modern weatherstripping is made out of new materials that don’t require these and they could possibly harm the rubber.
Do you need new weatherstripping for your classic Chevy? Head on over to SS396.com for all your weatherstripping needs. Not sure which ones you need? Give our friendly techs a call at (203) 235-1200!
