Author Topic: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)  (Read 3111 times)

Offline filmsurgeon

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'70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)
« on: April 21, 2013 - 08:13:12 PM »
Looking for recommendations on who makes the best and where to buy weatherstripping/seals for the doors and A-pillar posts.  I know the door seals are not convertible specific, but A-pillar seals would be.  I have seen SoffSeal and Metro Moulded as two manufactures whose retailers/sellers claim each is "THE BEST".  The weatherstrip/seals for my convertible top are all good, but my door and A-pillar seals need to be replaced.  I know the door seals typically come with the clips, but do they also come with the (3) screws for securing it to the top-front of the door?  Do the A-pillar seals usually come with the (1) screw for securing it to the bottom of the pillar post?  Thanks.
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.




Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2013 - 01:50:24 PM »
Here's what I'm going with in case anybody's interested:

I will be ordering the 8 piece "TOP CatWhiskers" window sweeps from Dixie Restoration Parts today.  I will also get the Metro door seals (don't know from who yet).  However and unfortunately, Metro does not make A-pillar post seals for E-body Convertible.  Only one available that I can find is SoffSeal; so I have no choice but to go with that.  I will be ordering those from either Dixie Restoration Parts, or Dante's Mopar Parts.
« Last Edit: April 23, 2013 - 02:01:44 PM by filmsurgeon »
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts) (Hardtop)
« Reply #2 on: April 26, 2013 - 01:37:50 PM »
Just a thought:  Since only SoffSeal makes the A-Pillar Post Seal (and their seals/weatherstripping are undoubtably not as good as Metro Moulded), has anyone ever considered using Metro's HT roof-rail seals, and only using a portion (3/4 - 7/8%) of the seal that goes from the bottom end of the A-Pillar; up the A-Pillar to a point where you could cut and "graft" it somehow to a portion of the top end of SoffSeal's piece?  I don't know how different the profiles are, but my understanding is the the worst part of SoffSeal's A-Pillar Post seal is the bottom end that attaches with screws to the front door jamb.  I'm sure that the material of the seal/weatherstripping is a different rubber composition, but if the profile is similar enough, the grafting could be done with weatherstrip adhesive (or stronger rubber bonding agent), and hiding the seam with something like electrical tape (or similar).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-Challenger-Barracuda-Cuda-Roof-Rail-Weatherstrip-/360132566143

1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2013 - 04:47:34 AM »
 :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline wiging19

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Re: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2013 - 09:08:15 PM »
Years ago I used soft seal but its time to put a new top on the vert so I'm interested in others thoughts on this topic given more companies are in the market than 10 -12 years ago. :popcorn:

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2013 - 01:55:44 AM »
Years ago I used soft seal but its time to put a new top on the vert so I'm interested in others thoughts on this topic given more companies are in the market than 10 -12 years ago. :popcorn:

If you're looking to replace the A-pillar post seals, ONLY SoffSeal makes them.  Metro makes good (better than SoffSeal IMO) seals for the doors, roofrail (hard-top), and convertible top.
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline Fern

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Re: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2013 - 07:03:42 PM »
I used soft seal and had no problems.

Offline Jousi

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Re: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)
« Reply #7 on: May 10, 2013 - 11:51:38 PM »
I tried Metro, and Precision ( which was actually made by Metro) for my Cuda 71 HT roofrails, and very poor fitment. Finally bought Soffseal and it was perfect.
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Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: '70 Convertible Weatherstrip/Seals? (Doors/A-Pillar Posts)
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2013 - 03:07:15 AM »
I tried Metro, and Precision ( which was actually made by Metro) for my Cuda 71 HT roofrails, and very poor fitment. Finally bought Soffseal and it was perfect.

Tonight I installed the Metro door seals, and the SoffSeal A-pillar post seals. All went very well.  They both fit as well as could be expected.  After considerable research, it appears that only SoffSeal makes the A-pillar post seals for convertibles.  Am satisfied with the end result.
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.