So I put the weather stripping on the driver door and as many of you have reported the door won't shut. I am using the DC solid rubber kit.

I have read numerous threads about this and some say the seals will eventually settle in but it will take a very long time.

I also read that there are hollow core seals that compress and allow the doors to fit right off the bat. What I haven't been able to determine from all the previous threads is if there is now a kit available for the 48-52 crowd.

I like the design of the DC seal around the hinge area but do not want to wait 6 months to a year for my doors to close all the way. I could cut the seals where they transition into the half round part and piece in a universal hollow core but would prefer a proper kit if available for our trucks. I know Hot Rod Classic parts has a kit but the description is lacking any real detail.

So for those of you that have experience with this can you tell me if the Hot Rod part is designed for our trucks or a universal kind? The older threads show Mid Fifty having a hollow core kit for 53 and up so did Classic Haulers finally create one for the 48-52?


Sorry for the long thread. I spent a ton of time prepaint getting the gaps right and can't stomach driving the truck around with the doors hanging out 1/8th of an inch.

Thanks,
Rich

 

Rich, I ordered mine directly from Soffseal. Here is the page from their website. $78.20 for the set!


Rich


SoffSeal Weatherstripping & Rubber Details

 

Rich/51Fred, I don't see where it says whether that is hollow or not?

Rich/Special, I think the hinge area is a big part of the problem with the solid seals. After almost 8 yrs with little improvement, I cut out the section that crosses the upper hinge and got a noticeably improvement. Then I shaved the odd-shaped area just above that and got still more. The rubber is thick and very solid in these areas, not much give at all.

 

These were hollow. I was able to shut the doors right away. Tight but I don't worry about breaking the glass.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.

Rich,
The soffseals sound like they are more forgiving with a hollow core. Are they shaped like originals with the larger flat areas arond the hinges or just one shape all around.

Ross,
I noticed the area around the hinges compressing a bit as well. Mine weren't so bad between the two hinge halfs but I did end up trimming the other portion above the hinge like you. It made a little difference but not enough to get a flush fit.

Thanks,
Rich

 

I'll take some pictures tonight after work.

 

Thanks Rich,

One pic is worth a thousand words right?

 

Yep.... and my memory isn't all it used to be!

 

Im definitely interested in these. I ended up pulling out the "new" door rubber I had several years ago. I just got tired of slamming the doors. If the Softseal product work as described, it will be added to my never ending to do list.

 

Yes, pictures are a must for this problem Rich.

 

OK, here goes. I can't say for sure they are hollow but that is what I was lead to believe.


[I]Closed door.[I]





Upper hinge.


Lower hinge.



Latch area

 

Thanks so much for the pictures Rich. Nice clean install on the seals.

Those look exactly like mine. I might have to call soffseal and ask if they are hollow core. I don't want to buy another set like the ones I have.

Thanks again for all the pics. It helps to know they did a nice job around the hinge areas. If they are hollow core I am sold.

Rich

 

Glad I could help!


These were recommended by my Body and Paint guy after we tried another set. We couldn't even close the doors with the first set. The hinge areas are pretty solid but the rest is much more spongy like newer car seals.

 

Rubber hardens as it gets older. This is one instance where NOS may not be best.

 

Well I may be back to square one guys. I spoke with soffseal and they indicated they purchase these seals from a vendor (might even by DC for all we know) and they are solid rubber not hollow core. You may have just got lucky with a softer set of the solids Rich.

If anyone else can chime in on the ones from Hot Rods or others that are hollow core I would appreciate it.


Pete,
I would agree. I am using new seals from DC and I think they actually produce these in house based on some other threads I came across. But they are very firm and unforgiving.

Thanks again everyone. A lot of good info so far.
Rich