Tech Tips

Installation Tips

Glass Run Channel

There are two different styles of glass run channel.  A single-piece design, and a two-piece design.  Which style you have will depend on the year, make, and model of your vehicle.  The single-piece design consists of one complete channel that goes up the back of the door glass, across the top, and down the front side of the door glass.  The two-piece design consists of an upper channel that goes up the back side of the door glass and across the top, and a division post run that will apply vertically to the door glass side of the vent window post.  You may use similar installation techniques for either design.

Start by removing your door panel and removing the old weatherstrip.  To begin installing the new weatherstrip it will be helpful to lubricate the part with soap and water or Precision's Weatherstrip Lubricant prior to installation.  If your vehicle has a vent window you will not need to remove the vent assembly from the door but it will need to be disconnected.  Once the part is lubricated and the vent assembly is disconnected, line up the corners of the new weatherstrip with the corners in the door glass opening.  Once the corners are lined up slide the weatherstrip down inside the door then across the top making sure the weatherstrip is in the channel and the glass is seated properly.  You can now re-attach the vent assembly and door panel.  (Some models will also require the removal and the re-installation of the side view mirror)

Beltline Weatherstrip

Each door has an inner and outer beltline weatherstrip.  The outer beltline moldings mount to the door with clips, rivets, and by pressing on to the flange. The inner usually is attached to the door panel with clips or staples.  Before beginning installation, you will need to remove the door panel and old beltline weatherstrip.  We recommend starting the installation with the outer beltline first.  It is important to properly line up any bends in the weatherstrip with the door frame.  Once these weatherstrips are installed it is extremely difficult to remove them for reinstallation without damaging them.  Install by pressing clips into slots in the door frame.  Once the old beltlines are removed it should be pretty self-explanatory.  You will need to install the inner beltline directly to the door panel using the original method prior to re-installing the door panel on the vehicle. (If installing a new glass run channel, beltlines will need to be installed after the new glass run channel is in place.  Some vehicles may require the removal and re-installation of the side view mirror)

Door Weatherstrip

There are three basic types of door weatherstrip.  Glue-On, Press-On, and Clip-On.  Basic descriptions and installation tips have been separated by each style of door weatherstrip.  (The loosening or removal of interior trim panels may be required to properly remove and re-install the door weatherstrip on some applications.)

Glue-On door seals are applied using weatherstrip adhesive found at all auto parts stores.  We recommend Permatex Weatherstrip Adhesive also found on this site.  Glue-On door seals may be found attached to the entire door frame, upper door frame, or attached to the door opening on the cab.

Press-On door seals almost always attach the door opening on the cab.  Press-On door seals are made with a stiff channel that presses over the body flange.  The structure of the channel holds the weatherstrip to the cab without the use of adhesives or clips.

Clip-On door seals usually attach to the door.  It is important to line up the door weatherstrip before final installation to ensure proper clip placement.  Once you have established that you have the weatherstrip lined up correctly you may begin pressing the clips into the openings in the door.  It is recommended that you apply a small amount of 3-M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive in between the clips for optimal retention.

Vent Seal

 Most Difficult!! There are two different styles of vent window seals, a single-piece design and a two-piece design.  The single piece is in the shape of a triangle and goes all the way around the vent glass.  The two-piece design consists of an "L" shaped vent seal and a separate post seal that applies vertically to the division post.

To begin you will need to loosen the door glass and remove vent frame assembly.  The vent frame assembly then needs to be taken completely apart.  There will be a bolt, spring, some screws, and some rivets.  Once the frame is disassembled, remove the glass and old weatherstrip.  It is recommended that you lubricate the new weatherstrip with soap and water or Precision's Weatherstrip Lubricant prior to installation.  Once the weatherstrip has been lubricated you can slide it into the channel in the vent frame.  If your vehicle has a single-piece design the seal along the division post should press into a channel in the division post.  If your vehicle has a two-piece design you will need to attach the division post seal to the division post prior to re-assembling the complete vent frame.  Once the vent frame is re-assembled install back in the door frame and tighten the door glass.