I need to replace the weather seals in the doors and windows on my '78 F100. Which source is best, if any? I see all the major suppliers have kits.

Also - is it realistic to expect new seals to kill the triangle vent window noise?

Thanks!

J.

 

I recently ... like in the last 15 months ... installed all new seals / rubbers. I only used the brand that I used (Well, "Precision" was the actual brand. Most likely obtained from Auto Krafters), so there was no comparison testing. The cab is so well sealed that the doors shut hugely better if a window is down. If windows are up all the way, one must apply continual closing force all the way to full shut, firmly. Wind noise at 55-60 was driving us crazy. Finaly narrowed it to the trailing edge of the vent wing where it abuts the rubber seal, the same edge where the latch is found. I tried shimming the latch, no good, just more stress on the glass.

First success was after I added three or four layers electrical tape to the rear edge of the glass. It was just a test. I recalled some thin black rubber with adhesive on one side that I had, maybe 1/16" thick x 1/8" wide. I have no recollection what it came with. I cut strips to fit inside the new rubber seal edge where the vent glass abuts when shut, and removed the tape. Only the one side, the side where the latch is.

I have no wind noise there now, and the added rubber is trapped between the glass and the seal surface, they are adhered well to the inside of those rubber seal lips. Just recently, 7 miles of Interstate at 70-ish mph headed to the dentist, I was surprised at how quiet it was even then.



Initially, I considered sealing them shut, but there are times I like to open them on a really hot day. Mostly, they stay shut. The front edge isn't an issue I guess because the rubber is outside of the glass behind it ... as air flows around off the windshield and pillar..

If that noise is all the issue, try this first before ripping it all out.

 

I got all of mine from NPD simply for the reason that they’re ten minutes from my house. Seem to be good quality. Nice and soft. The ones I installed so far fit well. I can’t attest to the reduction in wind noise since the truck isn’t finished yet.

 

Thanks tbear. I'll give your advice a try on the vents. The whistle from those is too much to handle. If the new seals (and your tip) don't work, I'm hitting them with some silicone sealant.

I need to replace the rest of the window seals while I'm at it. A driving rain will currently roll down the glass windows and get into the doors. Not good!

 

Thanks, Viper Pilot. I wish I had a nearby source. Dennis Carpenter is a couple hours away, but at that point, I can order from anywhere.

 

I believe I used precision. Not impressive and they won’t keep water out of the doors either. Keep your doors clean they are designed to drain

 

Sounds familiar, then yesterday I found the green wrap plastic containing my last set removed.

None are gonna keep all water out of the doors what with roll up windows right beside them. X-2 on keeping door bottom drains open.