New door weatherstrip on my 1963 F-100. Can't get doors to close flush. Try adjusting stryker hardware, but to no avail. is it just the new rubber ?

 

This is a typical problem with the door weatherstrips because the original factory installed weatherstrips were almost flat, so the doors would close properly on dealer lots.

The original weatherstrips were not available at the parts counter, they were only installed on new trucks.

The Ford 'service part replacement' weatherstrips were much fatter and this is what the repro weatherstrips are based on.

 

Thank you. At least I don't have to suffer alone.

 

I believe they will, eventually, flatten out to give a good seal without requiring extreme force to close the doors.

 

I would suggest using a couple ratchet straps, attaching one door to the other. Pull the striker receivers off the cab door jam and strap/pull the doors in until they are flush. Leave them there for at least a few days if possible. Once the doors close properly, then adjust your strikers.

 

Which vendor did u buy the door weather strip from?

 

That's a great idea with the ratchet straps. I used Dennis Carpenter seals on my 66 and it took at least a year until they closed easily.

 

...it makes it a lot easier to adjust the strikers for "passive" closure when you're not fighting the weatherstrip....

 

It took 2yrs for mine to close without slamming. Not sure why they can't duplicate the originals. Good luck!

 

I would rather have them a little tight, Even added 1/4" additional rubber seal for thickness on the top of the passenger door. Although, out here in California's central valley, the hot weather makes it easier to form the rubber.

 

I was thinking that too, but I really don't want to wait. Sorry about slow reply, I received no notice.

 

Now this is something I can believe in. Thanks

 

I really don't remember, it was last year. My memory isn't that long.

 

Could you try CAREFULLY warming the rubber with a heat gun or hair dryer then shutting. Wait for it to cool and repeat?

 

Installed new weatherstrip on my doors almost a year ago. Since they were much thicker than the originals, I adjusted the striker accordingly, letting the door close with some extra effort, but not too much to be annoying. Gradually, maybe every week or so, I adjusted the striker inward until the doors aligned perfectly flush with the cab. It really didn't take very long (maybe a month or so) and the doors close effortlessly now.
I have noticed on occasion though, since the cab is so airtight now, sometimes the air pressure pushes back when closing the door. If I leave a vent open or crack a window it lets the pressure escape and isn't a problem. It's not a problem with the weatherstrip, it's just that the extra volume of air has no place to go.