'83-'86 Window Weatherstripping

Topic: '83-'86 Window Weatherstripping (Read 3695 times) previous topic - next topic

'83-'86 Window Weatherstripping

June 24, 2006, 07:36:41 PM

I thought it may be a good idea to post some of the progress I've made with the '86.
Because the car was in Florida for 20 years, ALL of the trim around the windows was totally destroyed. The dew wipes were especially bad, but it all had to be replaced.
If you look at some of the pictures, you will get an idea of how bad it was. Pulling on the trim would result in it shattering in my hands. It hardly served a purpose anymore. The glass would rattle whenever the doors were shut!

'83-'86 Window Weatherstripping

Reply #1 – June 25, 2006, 11:59:49 AM

Thanks to Eric, I got the part numbers for the belt-line weatherstripping (dew wipes) and the vent window channel trim. It was all ordered from JC Whitney. The vent window channel trim simply gets snugged right into the channel, then some minor tpuppies of the material is required. The dew wipes had to be pop riveted to the trim piece with careful measurement, but they seem to be very solid and correct for the design.
My next problem was the rest of the window weatherstripping that goes around the top and side of the rest of the window frame. Mine was as bad as the rest of it.

I went to the junkyard to look for a possible replacement. I spent an hour looking at Lincolns until I stumbled onto an unexpected find: A 2-door 1992 Mercury Topaz. When I examined the window channel trim, it seemed like a close enough match. I had no idea how perfect it was.
This stuff fit PERFECTLY into the window frame. Absolutely everything matched up.
EDIT[/u]: It has been reported that the weatherstripping will not fit doors with full glass; it falls about 3" short. That means that this modification is limited only to those who have vent windows.

When looking for the right Tempo/Topaz, make sure it's a 2-door with manual windows. You can simply crank down the windows and begin to work out the weatherstripping. Begin at the top and work to the back corner. There will some extra weatherstripping that goes down inside the door. This is so the glass doesn't work its way out of the channel. Install the weatherstripping just like it is in the Tempo/Topaz. If you have vent windows, you can simply cut off what you don't need and trim it to meet up with the vent channel felt.

The best part is that it's the nice, soft, pliable rubber. Those windows are AIR TIGHT now. It's amazing.

'83-'86 Window Weatherstripping

Reply #2 – June 25, 2006, 12:06:37 PM

Finally, some before and after shots. I can now begin work on the bottom of the door (rust), then paint and correct door panels. I knew I had to fix this:

I really hope this can help other people who may need to replace theirs. Again, the channel weatherstripping from the Topaz is the soft, pliable rubber. I don't hear a thing at 70mph.

'83-'86 Window Weatherstripping

Reply #3 – June 27, 2006, 09:46:43 PM

Wow! Great job. Thanks for the info. I'll keep this in mind when I'm at the junkyard.

Chris

Window belt/Weather Stripping

Reply #4 – July 19, 2006, 11:17:40 AM

Your post is Like Manna from heaven..! I have an '85 TC that I bought new. Living here in AZ really dries out the rubber parts, although I must say there is not a spot of rust on the car anywhere. You mention JC Whitney as a source for "the dew wipers" I need inside and out as mine are as crisp as potato chips. Do you have J.C. Whitney #s? Do you have Ford part#s I can order the weather stripping with, or is this also a J.C. Whitney item? I really appreciate your research as I have been looking high and low for these parts.....

'83-'86 Window Weatherstripping

Reply #5 – July 19, 2006, 12:15:28 PM

That's a good idea.

JC Whitney - 800-529-4486
http://www.jcwhitney.com

1983-86 dew wipes (outside, mounts to aluminum piece, cut to fit; remove factory staples, drill new holes and pop rivet on):
KM819751 - $14.99 each - 2 required

Vent window felt (goes inside channel)
KM810358 - 26.99 - 1 required

Attached is one more picture. It illustrates how the weatherstripping simply tucks into the channel. I suppose some glue or sealant could be used in there, but I just tucked mine in and there have been no leaks.