Early A- Barracuda rear window gasket

[Syleng1]

I plan on very soon taking out the rear window in the 66 Barracuda and I can be honest and say I am very nervous. I want to replace the gasket with a new unit and paint the pinch area while it is out.

Besides the obvious, any one else removed and replaced their gasket on this huge window recently and where did you get the gasket and lock strip? How did you like the new gasket? Fit ok or junk?

I did the same thing about a year ago with the windshield and the glass guy who installed a new windshield told me to let him get the gasket next time as the aftermarkets are rough. Not sure if he just wanted to sell me the gasket or what but It looks good.

Joe

 

[barbee6043]

like Syleng1,I have to put rear window back in, since the P O pulled everything off before he bailed! layson shows a repo gasket for $110, probably no locking strip?, a used 40 yr old gasket, can they be reused? soak in maybe baby oil??? I reaslize the rubber can get old and hard, also I've noticed some repo rubber parts don't seem to be a good firm rubber????

 

[pishta]

Gojo with lanolin. rub it in when you are installing it. you dont want to flex old gasket any other way than how it sat, especially the corners until its nice and soft. lock strip is sourced from a Chevy pickup now unless you want OEM design. I put my old gasket back in as it was not damaged and it looked a whole lot better after I gave it a rub down. Dont use armor all, it cracks over time. Its a job for sure but I got mine in (and out) alone. That glass is tough, dont be afraid to lean on it a little. I dont know source for gasket off hand, but maybe try www.justmopar.com for 99.00, and lockstrip for $20

 

[barbee6043]

thanks for advice. guy I used years ago for upholstery, said, armour all is WORSE thing to use on vinyl seatcovers!!!!! he used baby oil.!!
I will see if I can find used gasket and soften it.

 

[cosgig]

I get all my soft items through Deutchmann Automotive...419-352-7894, out of Bowling Green, OH! Not only is Jeff $5-10 cheaper than everybody else,'but he is an early A body owner himself! It is just him and his wife, no overhead and good prices!

I did the rear gasket myself using one from Jeff, and my window went in pretty easily with the new seal, which was a nice fitting piece! I taped the body edge of the lip and used 3M windshield sealant in both the seal to body channel and the seal to window channel,'doing them both in succession! It also acted as sort of a lubricant to get the window in the channel, and other than cleaning some off the window, it was a pretty straightforward install! I did get pretty sloppy myself, and used a body filler plastic knife to pull up the outer flap of the seal to allow the window to drop in as I went around! No leaks after 10 years or so now! Geof

 

[chryslerfat]

Good info. Thanks Geof

 

[grimreaper]

Quote: lock strip is sourced from a Chevy pickup now unless you want OEM design.

Does anyone know where an original style lockstrip can be located? I'd love to find the original style with the swirly design in it! All of the Chevy pickup strip I have used in the past turns gold instead of remaining chrome after a few years.

 

[barbee6043]

yes, thanks for the info...
while i'm pestering people, if any of you guys know of source and part # of the various clips, I've never had any luck using the 50 yr old clips, whether made of metal or the plastic ones.
maybe Layson's, Mr. G's ( if still around), for screws, used to be guys called I think RM something that had some of the oddball stuff.
thanks for all help....

 

[grimreaper]

Restoration Specialties has a lot of the clips and hardware. 814-467-9842 They usually have the rear window gasket too. A few years ago there was a shortage of aftermarket window gaskets and all the suppliers claimed that there was only one source for all of the reproductions. Precision, I believe. The gasket can now be provided by several suppliers. A-deals 866-850-5465, Firestone 678-792-7893, Vans 920-324-2481 and many others....probably even Metro and the other weatherstrip companies.

 

[Syleng1]

Wow!

Thanks, as that is a boat load of information on the gaskets. I typically use a razor blade to cut out the original gasket lip and then the window will pop right out. The new gasket has to be good or your screwed doing it this way. The center strip can be bought at any glass shop (off the roll) but buying it with the gasket makes me believe it will fit. My current gasket has primer on it, is cracked and just plain looks old. After seeing the new windshield gasket I want new on the rear as well. Let's just say its not the most popular gasket on the market so I worry about quality.

Years ago when we painted Chryslers or any car with this type of gasket (I worked in an old body shop as a kid), we would remove the locking strip and then take a 1/4" diameter rope and lift the gasket off the sheet metal and lay the rope underneath the lift the gasket and tape under the gasket so the gasket and glass stayed clean. Also there was no paint line from a bad taping job. Afterwards you just reinstall the locking strip. It always was longer from stretching and we had to cut a few inches off. This means the lock strip was smaller in diameter and not as much pressure on the glass. That bothers me, as this window flying out at 65mph is scary. It may not, but I don't want that chance.

Thank you,
Joe