Window Weatherstrip

[Merle Coggins]

I've been pricing weatherstripping for my truck. I've seen guys post things here about molding from Roberts regarding installation struggles and fit. But Steele's rubber is a lot more expensive. For example, Vulcanized Windshield Weatherstrip from Steele is $149.70, whereas stuff from Roberts or Bernbaum is only $55. Is there really that much difference? It looks like the cheaper stuff isn't a 1 piece vulcanized unit. Do they seal up OK? The molding that I took out is 1 piece vulcanized type. Is the Steele stuff a better match of the original?

Also, rear window molding from Steele = $126.10, from Roberts = $40.00

Corner window molding from Steele = $118.90 for the pair, from Roberts = $40.00. And Bernbaum has a complete set for $80.00. I'd have to guess that Roberts and Bernbaum have the same stuff since their prices match.

I don't mind paying more if I know if I know I'm getting more quality. But it's considerably more. Any comments?

Merle

[anthonyb]

Merle,

Admittedly Steele is considerably more expensive but the single piece, continuous loop seals go in SOOO much easier than the Roberts parts. With the Roberts gaskets, you have to cut them to fit and glue the ends together.

With the difficulty of installing the corner windows you will NEVER get the Roberts gaskets to work properly. Refer back to the recent thread about installing them.

I have tried both companies and if I have to replace any gaskets, I will get the Steele without hesitation.

[grey beard]

Maybe thes window rubber mouldings are like the proverbial fender filler rubbers - no one has yet to post a satisfactory source of ones that fit, to my best knowledge, and we ALL need this info. I've tried Roberts, and his are a joke, way too narrow. Does anyone have a good source for a fender filler rubber that looks halfway original after it's installed?

Thanks:)

[Robert Thornton]

i used roberts rear window molding i am verry much pleased with it thanks rob

[Merle Coggins]

Thanks guys. The Steele Rubber Products will cost over $300 more for all of the pieces I need, but it sounds like the lack of agrivation will be worth it.

Dave, I looked through Steele's catalog for the fender filler, but didn't find one listed. If someone has an original that they can send in to them, maybe we could voice our opinion to them and get them to reproduce them.

Merle

[David A.]

One other thing to think about...Many times you get what you pay for!! I have restored several automobiles and have found by experience that most of the time the cheaper rubber products may look and fit very good at first; however, they lack the chemical compounds that keep the rubber soft and keep it from weather cracking. After a few years even if kept indoors, the cheaper rubber will usually begin weather cracking especially in the corners.

[Norm's Coupe]

One other thing to think about...Many times you get what you pay for!! I have restored several automobiles and have found by experience that most of the time the cheaper rubber products may look and fit very good at first; however, they lack the chemical compounds that keep the rubber soft and keep it from weather cracking. After a few years even if kept indoors, the cheaper rubber will usually begin weather cracking especially in the corners.

Merle,

I'd go with Steele for rubber products. Don't know about Roberts rubber, but Andy B's is not all that great. I bought the wind wing rubber, gas filler tube grommet and cowl vent rubber from Andy B. The wind wing rubber fit, but it was hard to get on. The gas filler tube grommet fit ok. However, as mentioned in the quote above, it is now showing age cracks. It's only been on the car about 5 years. Not only that but the grommet quality wasn't all that great to begin with. Has a flat spot in it that looks like it came out of the mold that way.

I later bought other rubber products from Steele. Those are nice and soft and are easy to put on. I will only buy rubber products from Steele now, even though the cost is higher.

[Merle Coggins]

Thanks Norm. That seals it. I'm going to bite the bullet and place an order with Steele for my window molding.

Merle