I just ordered a tailgate weatherstrip assembly. Question: Can I swap this out without having to remove the rear window? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

I just did one on my '90 Bronco without removing the rear window. You will need to remove the two moulded rubber pieces at the corners so you can get at the screws that secure the weatherstrip. The rubber pieces are held in by one screw. Remove the screw, then pull the piece out as far as it will go (you may have to pry on it a little - GENTLY), then rotate the large end toward the top of the tailgate. Remove the two screws securing the weatherstrip - one at each end. Position the tailgate in the up position BUT DON"T CLOSE IT. You can now remove the old weatherstrip and install the new one without removing the glass. Be sure the screw holes of the new weatherstrip line up with the screw holes in the tailgate before you slide the weatherstrip clips into place, because you can't move it once those clips are secured. Put the rubber pieces back into place and you're done.

 

I forgot to mention the obvious, but you should put the rear window down before you start.

 

one of the really smart guys on here has pics in his gallery. Try Steve83, or alanscott or someone smart like that...

note: I am not saying you or mr. saanders are anything other than smart.... you know what I meant!

 

My tailgate album

 

Hey! Steve83 has the pics in his gallery, he is the one I was talking about!

You probably know that though...

 

Thanks to saanders step-by-step instructions, I tackled tailgate weatherbelt replacement this weekend - successfully.

One caveat: before you begin removing the old w'belt, lay a strip of 2" or so masking tape along the line of the old belt, on the top paint part of the tailgate. In order to circumvent the "end screws not lining up and belt won't move" I just started one end screw a couple threads, then began trying to get the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd clips started. By that time the clips had made some nice, deep gashes on the top line of the gate. Stopped, put some masking tape along the line. Worked fine, just wish I'd thought of doing it sooner. All I need is more scratches/rust on my tailgate.

On another note, or thread, re: Problems with tailgates/tire carriers:

When I pulled rubber end bumpers for weatherbelt replacement, I noticed that the weld that connects the inner, to the outer shell of the sheetmetal was broken completely. (passenger side) I surmise that the weight/vibration of the spare tire created this problem, as the same location driver's side was fine. I know a guy who I think can weld, and it's not in a noticable place, so I think everything's gonna work out, but I suggest everyone who has outside spare, pop out that bumper and check their rig, especially if you have a squeak from that area you can't locate.

Again, thanks to saanders for the detailed instructions. I'd have been stymied by the end bumper removal, for sure.

Best -


Joe Horn

**I have a homemade tool I used on the clips, to remove the weatherbelt that I suggest everyone make for themselves. I swear, I use it nearly everytime I'm working. It's simple: I took a gimme screwdriver, (the small cheap pocket type, with magnet on other end) and bent end 3/4 inch on my anvil into about a 90 degree radius, making it into a slow-rounded "L." Works great getting inside rubber dealies for some tug, and worked killer getting underneath the little clips on weatherbelt to pop out. Straight-ended screwdriver just wouldn't have done the job. Not enough negative angle.