3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

I'm looking to replace the majority of the weatherstripping on my GTA. I'm looking to get rid of the "rushing wind noise" that's been present since I bought the car (pretty sure most of the door weatherstripping is dry-rotted and decomposing).

Looking through lots of threads, it's clear that everyone that has used GM parts have been happy. It's also clear that the quality of installation matters ALOT when it comes to how well the weatherstripping performs in regards to leaks. I'm concerned about leaks and fitment. I don't want to drill more holes in my doors, etc.

Here's the price breakdown for the GM/Soffseal combination I've found to be probably the best you could do price-wise and quality wise. Also for comparison is a complete Soffseal set - which some prominent members here have had no complaints about.

GM/Soffseal

• GMPD - Right Door (20350900) - $131.21
• GMPD - Left Door (20350901) - $123.81
• GMPD - Around Right Window (10198206) - $58.66
• GMPD - Around Left Window (10198207) - $58.66
• SoffSeal - Trunk Weatherstrip (2424) - $39.65
• SoffSeal - Front Glass Seals Pair (3195) - $37.45
• Total - 449.44 + shipping

Soffseal

• Weatherstrip Kit (Trunk, Doors, Windows) (KIT312X) - $274.40
• Front Door Glass Seals Pair (3195) - $37.45
• Total - 311.85 + shipping

So, the price difference comes to $137.59 between the two (shipping being equal). What have thirdgen members' experiences been with weatherstripping? Is Soffseal still available from Autozone? That'd save on shipping.

Whatever I end up going with, there will be a full writeup on it.

82firebird

When I replaced my weatherstripping I used GM for the T-Top seals and Soffseal for the doors and hatch. I was very pleased with the GM T-Top seals. They fit into place perfect. I think something that really needs to be emphasized here is cleaning the grooves where the old weatherstrip was and using a good 3M adhesive when installing the seals. This will make for the best seal possible, and if you do that you'll get no problems (then again you don't have T-tops, so I just kind of ranted on!)

I wasn't expecting much from the soffseal stuff but since I bought it for so much less than the GM door seals I decided to give it a shot. I had heard a few accounts of people complaining that each end of the seals were not molded to fit the door rather large blocks; well this must not have lasted too long because mine were perfectly molded and fit very well. I was also very pleased with the fitment of the hatch seal. Overall I would say you can't go wrong with the soffseal stuff. I know I've been very happy with it- and I'm picky.

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

I bought a set from 1A or A1 something like that on ebay. I was happy with the quality of the weatherstripping. I remember they were somewhere in Arizona. Maybe someone else hs more info on them.

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

82firebird - your opinion on the soffseal is highly appreciated. How do your doors shut? When you installed the door pieces, did the studs fit in well? How about the end piece - did it feel like the screws were going to rip it? How have they lasted?

Thanks!

CAMp3RO

Hey, I usually chime in when I see 1A mentioned. I've been working for them since January as a sales rep. The weatherstripping we sell is Metro and we seem to sell a ton of it for 3rd gens. I haven't heard any issues with fitment and everyone who has responded back to me seems to have good things to say. I used the stuff back a couple years ago for my tops (had bought mine through advance auto back then, employee discounts always rock) and was very satisfied. 10 year warranty always works for me too.

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/Weatherstri...SK00106/522085

thats everything except the front glass seals. i'd recommend grabbing those from soffseal as we have the GM OEMs, but they are ungodly expensive. feel free to pm or email me if you got any questions, i'm always happy to talk to 3rd genners (ask my co-workers...)

naf

iTrader: (7)

I installed the Metro weatherstripping from 1AAuto for my doors a few months back. No problems, it fit fine and was very inexpensive. I'll consider them again when I have to do my t-tops.

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

yeah there's not much reading about Metro weatherstripping on the forums with pictures or from senior members. The price on that Metro is ultra affordable (cheap even) - but I'm curious how well they are quality wise. In the picture that's shown in that link - you can't see the studs for the door weatherstripping (or if there is the plastic insert in the ends of the door WS piece). Think you could provide some better pictures or testimonials? I'll do some more searching for Metro here on the boards and see what I come up with.

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

Yep. Didn't find much. Here's what I did find:

Bull had this to say on 7/1/2006:
Further back in time (2002), Tom Keliher had a positive review.

Amazingly the only other negative comments I've found have basically been "Metro sucks" etc. Not much real information there.
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How were the door end pieces?

naf

iTrader: (7)

The door end pieces did not have the plastic insert and are held in place with weatherstrip adhesive. That was a concern of mine as well. I checked around here with a local guy that deals in camaros/firebirds and he's never seen aftermarket door weatherstripping with the GM-style plastic inserts. I can't verify this is true, of course.

Otherwise, the adhesive holds the ends in place fine, the screws just help locate it properly, and in a few years I can replace mine again (if I need to) and still have spent less money.

82firebird

The doors shut very well, you can tell they are sealed tight when they shut. The studs all fit in the factory locations and the ends where the screws go fit very well. The screw holes are reinforced with plastic under the rubber, so there shouldn't be a problem with them ripping. If I remember correctly there is also some self adhesive on the ends to help keep it in place even more. They've held up very well, also consider that I have only had the seals on for less than 2 years and the car only gets driven ocassionaly.

You should see if our very own CAMp3RO can get you an outstanding deal on his seals though. If they aren't what you are expecting, I'm sure they'll stand by their product, won't they?

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

I'm leaning more and more towards the soffseal. Your description of the ends sold me.

You gotta wonder about that set that CAMp3RO showed... that sucker is cheap.

naf

iTrader: (7)

If you go with Soffseal you may be able to find a lower price through an alternate vendor. I've heard their internet site price is not competitive.

CAMp3RO

hey guys. i can understand your concerns regarding price. like i mentioned before, i paid over $300 with my 20% for just the t-top w/s when i bought them from advance auto nearly 2 years ago, but you're also talking about a company with a store front vs. an online-only company. 3rd gen w/s seems to be one of our biggest sellers, so we put in huge orders for these parts and get a nice price cut for it. as previously mentioned, we will stand behind our parts and i am more than happy to answer any questions i can (email, pm, or gimme a call at 888-844-3393 ext 155). consider me as your guy on the inside

Wadebryant

I installed an OER T-top weatherstripping kit that I purchased from Classic Industries onto my IROC. Sadly, the ends are not properly molded, poor fit. Both sides ripped out of the body side anchor pin attachments. Cross the Classic Industries OER stuff off the list!

Doing this job twice gets expensive. In the end, I ponied up for the GM replacements.

I have Soffseal weatherstripping on the doors of both of my 3rd gens. Fit good, reasonably priced.

CAMp3RO

Wade-

any idea what brand those weatherstrips were? always curious about what works and doesn't work for people. helps me pass info along to my purchasing department on where to go or stay away from for new vendors

Wadebryant

CAMp3RO here's the info you requested.

Ordered the t-top weather seal replacement below, from Classic Industries. Spend your money on better stuff.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000136b

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

I agree. I had a huge problem with my door weather stripping (OER brand)from Classic Industries. My passenger side was "too small" to fit properly and tore when I tried to stretch it. Additionally, both doors are now harder to close due to the bulk of the new stripping. I am NOT installing the T-Top weather stripping that I bought from them (the OER stuff). If I buy from them again, I am buying ONLY the GM stuff. Bottom line...DO NOT BUY OER Weather Stripping from Classic Industries.
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That's the same kit that I got that I'm not installing. After my experience with the doors...only the actually GM stuff will I be happy with (I hope)

Kory-88Iroc 350 tpi

iTrader: (1)

subscribing so I can find this thread when I need weatherstripping.
Kory

Camaro355Z28

I've noticed 1A offers the window sweeps for about $58 + $12 shipping on ebay, but I want to know how these compare to the other brands. Dont know of theres much to compare to since these are just a bolt on application, but I'm in dier need for these. Mine are originals, everytime you touch them a chunk breaks off!

naf

iTrader: (7)

Wouldn't think it would matter much, I've replaced a set that were GM and still had to drill new holes for the screws to line up. Just replace them soon, it'll make a big difference (and keep the inside of your door from rusting out).

CAMp3RO

to be honest, there arent too many companies who make weatherstripping, so quite often you are getting the same part from different companies. i know this is especially true with window sweeps, as the demand is just not there for more manufacturers to jump on the bandwagon. I know the main player for weatherstripping, at least with our cars, are metro and soff seal. i'm sure there are others, but they arent quite as prevelant. I've seen and held the sweeps we sell for our vehicles and they seem to be of good quality, but I didn't go over them in too much detail and my camaro has been gone for some time now so not too sure how they compare (although mine were destroyed and not a good comparison).

oh, and BTW, i kinda got this by accident, but i've got a 5% off coupon available to whoever wants to take advantage (not limited to just w/s either). feel free to use coupon # 1A3107712 on your orders if you want.

tcoker79

I was reading through this thread and I need to replace all the, the rubber parts along the bottom of the window and the triangles behind the mirrors and my t-tops. Is there anything else I need other than this kit?
http://www.1aauto.com/1A/Weatherstri...SK00168/492435

ohyeahjay

softseal was created from a gm guy back in the day because he seen there was a market for it. read it in one of the monthly's the other day just to let everyone know. this doesn't mean its great stuff but good info to know

naf

iTrader: (7)

That kit may include more than you need. It's pretty much everything.

CAMp3RO

that would include every seal you need for your car (and dont forget to take advantage of that 5% coupon if you do decide to order).

-Dan

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

This has definitely been an informational thread. I've ordered the Soffseal set as described in the first post. I'll update this thread when I start installing. Any of you order the Metro set and have any results to post?

Scottlb9

I have a little real life experience with both GM and Soffseal that goes around the door only.

When I installed the Soffseal and couldn't close my door, I knew then that those were going to be returned almost instantly.

When I just installed the GM, I can honestly say that it was a night/day difference.

I really don't like the Soffseal due to the fact that they don't have the plastic inserts molded into the ends like the GM's. On my original seals, this was the part that was worn the most.

Also, the Soffseal's seem to be a bit fragile because I noticed a few rips in the seal around the insert clips at the front part of the door.

IMHO, I would only go with GM for these seals.

Scott

LadyInRed

iTrader: (5)

so who makes the window sweeps?

Diggler86

I also went with Metro. I have seen the Soffseal tho and was able to compare the two.

The Metro ends were not formed as nice as I had hoped, but they were solid rubber. The flaps that get screwed to the car did not have the backbone which was the thing I missed the most. But, the length of the rubber seal was durable and shiney although it was hollow. Thats why I went with Metro. Install was OK vice screwing the ends down I used some small washers to be safe. At first doors a little hard to close but after a couple weeks its better and the doors sound more solid now.

The Soffseal was opposite in construction. The molded ends were hollow and the length of seal was solid, but it looked cheap and felt kindof flimsy. Looked like it could tear easily, more sponge feel than rubber. Only good thing it did have a backbone built in, but not as complete as GM.

CAMp3RO

I unfortunately don't have the name of the company who makes the sweeps, as they are bought wholesale and come pretty much unlabeled. by no means does that mean they are junk, i just dont have a name to give you on that.

another thing positive i have to say about metro is that they are always revising their listing and parts. they actually made a custom set of door seals for a customer of mine because his year car (dont remember what it was, i think maybe a 70s grand prix) was slightly different than what they originally had.

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

UPDATE time. I've had these installed for the better part of 3 weeks and have had no time to upload pictures or surf thirdgen. I'll be attaching these to the thread, as I think these are of technical enough merit that they should stick around longer than any of my picture hosting will.

So - my advice. If you're looking to save some money - buy what I did. Do NOT buy the little triangle pieces from Soffseal. They aren't designed like OEM and I just ended up using my stock pieces. Everything else fit *fairly well*. No stretching, tearing, etc. I had a little extra slack around the doors, and the doors now shut worse...but I think that's mainly due to my worn out latches. We'll see.

What others have said I will repeat - the quality of install is the most important part of this job. Every single little bit of decomposing old weatherstipping MUST BE REMOVED from the channels. You can remove the channels and reinstall them (I did) and it helps. The few spots where I left a tiny amount of weatherstripping junk, I have raised spots. I'll live - but I know it's there.

Please ask questions while my memory is fresh and I've got access to the car. I'll be tearing out interior starting tomorrow.

Pics (Two of old weatherstripping, One of new door end piece)

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

Also, plan to reuse the little screws that are used on the ends of the door weatherstripping pieces. They fit and look WAY better than what Soffseal gives you. They may help with any eventual tearing because of their design as well.

1 pic showing cleaned and reinstalled weatherstripping channels, two pics showing fitment of new window weatherstripping. If you need others - PM me.

matt_p

Looks like there is a gap on the back edge of the window in the last picture. Is there?

Also, I have Metro T-Top and Door weatherstripping that is enroute to my house. (T-top is here, door is still a few days away). I'll make a nice post and take pics.

82firebird

Dang man, sorry you had such bad luck. My door seals are pretty near perfect. What are your plans for the interior?

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

I'll have to check again - but I don't believe there are any gaps. The weatherstripping fits up against my windows better than the old stuff did.

82firebird - I wouldn't say I had bad luck. I'm giving it time to fit the car better and I'm sure the doors will shut easier. Interior is being removed for a full damplifier treatment. You mind PMing me the dealer and specs on your wheels? That's next

lovemyv8

I have just had my car painted, and all new soffseal rubbers,good quality and well made.Have a small trunk leak though!

MikeH

iTrader: (10)

I replaced the outer door to window sweeps on mine. With the stuff from 1A auto. And they fit great looked as good as stock quality wise. Ive always been happy with the stuff ive bought from them.

TTA656

iTrader: (1)

Can someone show me where to get these at the prices listed

• GMPD - Right Door (20350900) - $131.21
• GMPD - Left Door (20350901) - $123.81

I called the dealer and was quoted $100 more for each seal.......HELP.......car is coming home from paint...

CAMp3RO

if you really want to go dealer, try typing those part numbers into www.gmpartdirect.com (or is that where you grabbed those numbers from?)

CAMp3RO

MikeH -
glad to hear the parts worked out for you. Always happy to hear our stuff is working out. Also, I really want to know when people have fitment issues or problems with our stuff. I'd rather get issues ironed out than let them continue to occur.

micktroup

Bought the 1A stuff when I first bought the car. Didn't have the plastic reinforcements like the OEM and not the best fit- have had trouble with cracking at the joins too(around the windows), so when I paint I will go with the GM stuff.

1320_Guy

iTrader: (3)

Great thread, how long did it take you to install?

AaronIROCZ

iTrader: (5)

I purchased my seals for my hardtop 89 Iroc-z from 1A auto on ebay back in 2003 and have moisturized and lubricated them from day one and now on every seam that the weatherstripping meets together is coming apart. It is like it is dried out big time.

CAMp3RO

I may have PM'd a few of you having problems, but please, if I haven't, contact me regarding your issues. I will do whatever I can to get these problems resolved. I know we haven't always carried the same brand we do now, so maybe these are some of the reasons why we switched suppliers. I don't want to make excuses and I definately do not want to have disappointed customers. This site has helped me quite a bit over the years, let me help you guys back.

3.1EyeCandy

iTrader: (3)

Small update on my end: the car still hasn't moved from where I put the weatherstripping on (stripping interior). However, I did notice some tearing where I used the supplied screws. I'll reiterate what I said a few inches up: use your stock screws. Hopefully this will fix the minor tearing I'm seeing.\

Install time: unknown. I could have worked another few hours on stripping old adhesive and stripping and might have achieved slightly better results. Plan on a good long Saturday if you want to do it all at once.

ATCharming

im sorry to cut in, but i couldnt help telling u that u have an amazingly sexy lookin third gen firebird.

probly one of the nicest ones ive ever seen

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

any updates