Window Channels

I'm about to replace the passenger door felt window channel on my '79 SC this weekend. Has anyone done this before? FWIW, I have crank windows. I've been told that I will probably have to remove the window frame. True?? I've never had the door panel off before. I do have a digital camera to help me re-assemble if needed. Any ideas, tips, opinions, warnings? This project looks to be kind of a PITA. But, my wife would appreciate a good window seal on her side of the car. It does get a little drafty above 50mph. Have a good weekend, all!

Aubrey
'79 SC

Hi Aubrey,
No you don't have to remove the window frames. You just pull the felt out. Fish it out with a screwdriver at the top and then pull it out. The new felt you slide in first on the sides and then you push in at the top.
It can get hard to push in, I used glycerin to help. By playing with the window height, you can actually help push the felt in its channel inside the door.
Hope this helps, GeorgeK

Thanks, George! Do the channels just pop into place or do I need to seal them with 3M Trim Adhesive or something? Thanks again,



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Aubrey Parker
'79 SC (silver/cork)

Aubrey,
When I took the felts out , there was some dried dusty goop that fell off. It could have been glue, but it wasn't holding anything anyway, so I didn't put any. The felts kind of "pop" into their channel as it has a lip. No unwanted movement since.
BTW another way to avoid wind noises is to put the felt strips under the rain gutters in the door openings if you don't have them already. Helps a lot.
GeorgeK

[This message has been edited by GeorgeK (edited 01-13-2001).]