Windshield Rubber Interchange Info

[Norm's Coupe]

Just received the windshield center bar rubber gasket that I ordered from Steele Rubber the other day. Interesting information on the package label. It gives all the different cars the gasket fits. So, with this information you may be able to get the gasket from other suppliers. Here is all the cars that uses the same shaped and size gasket. You may have to trim a little off as you do with the Steele Rubber gasket. You also have to punch your own bolt holes for the trim. Same gasket fits:

1939 - 1940 Buick

1939 - 1940 Cadillac

1939 - 1941 Chevrolet

1939 - 1940 Oldsmobile

1939 - 1940 Pontiac

1937 - 1950 Chrysler, Plymouth, DeSoto, Dodge

1938 - 1940 Packard

Steele Part Number: 70-0098-52

This could be useful at a swap meet. Most of the rubber guys will know what fits a Chevrolet for example. So, if you know what rubber fits the mentioned years Chevrolet, you can just have them give you that.

[BobT-47P15]

Pretty amazing what will cross between the various makes of cars.....

There are usually Chevy vendors, but no MoPar at swap meets around here.

[Brendan D25]

If the division bar rubber fits from those other cars, I wonder if the chrome outside division bar would be the same.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I believe what Norm got was a piece of division rubber with a cross section shaped like an H Very generic in its application and NOT molded to the entire window seal. As for the division bar in itself, the Dodge is longer, curved on each end ad designed as the finisher for the window molding. The Plymouth glass is not as tall, the division post barely connect to the window molding threfore the need for the center connneting stips top and bottom. Further. I don't think I am out on a limb here, but assume Norm had to drill his mounting holes for the division bar and backer plate.

[Norm's Coupe]

I believe what Norm got was a piece of division rubber with a cross section shaped like an H Very generic in its application and NOT molded to the entire window seal. As for the division bar in itself, the Dodge is longer, curved on each end ad designed as the finisher for the window molding. The Plymouth glass is not as tall, the division post barely connect to the window molding threfore the need for the center connneting stips top and bottom. Further. I don't think I am out on a limb here, but assume Norm had to drill his mounting holes for the division bar and backer plate.

Tim is correct on all counts. I just received the seal yesterday so haven't done anything with it, except look. Haven't decided if it's best to punch or drill the holes for the trim. I will have to cut some off the length too. The piece I received is about 20" long so it will fit all those cars mentioned by trimming the length. I also know the Dodge center bar is too long to fit the Plymouth. You might find another center bar chrome piece that is the same length as the Dodge from one of those cars. However, the mounting holes might not line up the inside trim piece. So if you were able to locate one from another car the same size, you may need the inside piece to go with it.

Looking closely at my old seal on the car now, the seal is separate from the seal that goes around the whole windshield. I can see the small joint at the top and bottom.

Also, if anyone wants the exact size of that seal, you can get it on Steel Rubbers web site. http://www.steelerubber.com. There is a drawing of it there. Just run a search for the part number or your make and model of car on their site.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Norm..I am not sure if you will experience any shrinkage, at least not immediate shrinkage with the rubber. Todays products are much better quality material. On the drilling..I think I would remove the old and basically align and drill holes per the original with maybe a tad extra length at each end to butt agains the seal top and bottom..that way when you snug that puppy up with the pinch bolts it will give a tighter connection at the butts..

I think you are going to have some fun here...I like using original creme Go-Jo hand cleaner for glass/rubber lube...plus it is good for the rubber also. I use this original formula on my vinyl dashes and I have never had a cracked dash on any car I have ever owned. Of course I only own Chrysler porducts...enough said...lol

[Norm's Coupe]

Tim,

I'm also replacing the chrome center bar at the same time. Was going to use that to locate the screw holes with. By pressing it onto the rubber, it should leave an impression of the mounting holes in the rubber. Then I can either punch or drill them. I'll probably see which works best on the scrap left over after trimming the length. I had planned on making it a little longer on each end to make sure I get a good seal at the bottom and top of the seal. I doubt you can get the old rubber out without cutting it out, or it may just break when removing it. Also plan to make the mounting holes slightly smaller than the screws that hold it on. That way the screws will cut threads and make a tighter seal around them.

You are right, the fun part is going to be fitting the seal between the glass. I'll wait for a nice hot sunny day to do the job. That way the rubber will be softer and more pliable to work with. Will also have to flatten out the new seal. It came rolled in a plastic bag. Will have to lay it out with a book or something on it to get it flat before trying to fit it.

[Brendan D25]

Thanks guys, I figured it would be a pipe dream to find a division bar from another make to fit.

[Young Ed]

Are you in need of one? Yours is the same as a P15 right?

[Norm's Coupe]

Ed,

The P15 center bar won't fit Dodge, unless it's a Canadian Dodge. Even so, the P15 center bar only fits Plymouth from 1941 - 1948. So, don't think it would fit even a Canadian D25 model.

[Young Ed]

My understanding is that the D25 is a plymouth body with dodge emblems etc. I bet it would fit that model and not the reg dodge D24s.

[Norm's Coupe]

Ed,

I agree about the Canadian Dodge. However, isn't the 48 Canadian Dodge also classified a D24. Thought D25 was a 49 model and that's why I said it probably wouldn't fit.

[Brendan D25]

The Canadian Dodge D25 was built from 1946 to 1948 and is a P15 body with Dodge emblems. Mine is pictured in my profile. As I found out through this forum, shortly after I bought my car, the grille is unique.At first glance it is the same as a D24 but it has the curvature of a P15 and is made of potmetal versus stainless for the others. BTW, My windshield divider chrome is pitted. Brendan.

[Norm's Coupe]

Brendan, that explains it. I always thought the Canadian 46 - 48 Dodge was a D24 only with the P15 body. Didn't realize they gave it a different number too. In that case a P15 divider would/should fit your car too. I'll have an extra one too as soon as it gets warm so I can change the seal. However, that's why I'm changing the chrome divider on mine, the old one on the car is also pitted. So, mine probably isn't any better than yours.

[Brendan D25]

Thanks anyhow Norm, mine is presentable but I am always keeping my eyes open for a good one. Also the D25 has the long engine as did the P15s in Canada. If I get a chance soon I should measure my friend's P15 club coupe (U.S. built)front section to see if there is a difference in length.

[Norm's Coupe]

Brendan,

If the measurements turn out to be the same on your friends coupe, you can use a center bar from any P15. They are all the same regardless of which model P15, except convertibles. I believe the convertible has a shorter one, I would have to check the parts book to make sure on the convertible center bar. The P15 center bar part number is 848408 and is 14 1/16" long. Have my new one laying close by so just looked at it to get the info. So you can skip measuring his now. My P15 is a coupe too, but like I said they all use the same part.