Which rear window seal do I need?

[bigchillcar]

I'm getting ready to replace the headliner and front and rear seals (as soon as they're ordered) on my '74 coupe. I've got a rear defroster and I'm told that there are 2 different rear window seals for the car. Performance Products shows only one, Pelican shows two: with and without groove for trim frame...hmm. I've got the chrome trim on mine. Is that what they're referring to? I thought i had seen a catalog at one time referring to with and without rear defroster?

Glass guy says to make sure they're OEM parts...says any JC Whitney substitute blows.
Ryan

[pwd72s]

Afraid I'm not help on the seal differences. BUT a big warning here...be sure the glass man you use is familiar with the routing of 911 rear window deforster wires, or you may not have the defroster. These wires, it seems, pass through the seal...and are a (female dog) to route properly. That's why I hired it done, and waited months until the guy I trusted was ready to do it.

[Face]

Ryan,
Your car does have the trim grooved seal. They went to trimless in late 89. You may be able to fit a trimless seal, not sure, check with a search if you're looking to update.
Cheers,

[HawgRyder]

I put a non-trim seal in my '69
I prefer the look of the black only seal...in the process...the rear defogger was left disconnected.
I could have put the wires on if I had wanted to...but the window traces were bad...so would not have worked anyway.
The seals are the same...just with or without slot for trim.
Without the slot...they have a glossy surface (black) that sort of looks like added trim but is part of the seal.
Bob

[bigchillcar]

Yeah,
Actually I've fretted some over staying with chrome trim or updating a bit with black. As tempting as it is, I think I like the idea of keeping it as close to original as I can. Although I do have the black and not the clear trim tailight lenses...PO replaced them and I've just kept them. I kind of like the chrome look...it does seem to give it more of a 'classic car' look IMO.

Get this...the glass guys want $125 a piece to do the front and back seals! Woah! The upholsterer originally told me he'd replace the headliner for around $150 but would need to remove the seals for the job. Although he said he'd outsource the glass worj to these guys, I don't remember hearing I'd be paying extra for that. Guess that was naive on my part. Damn...another $250...makes me start thinking DIY, but probably should leave this work to folks who've been there and done that.

I've heard other guys talk about replacing the rear seal and just saying to heck with the rear defroster. Not really even sure if mine is functioning, but damn I'm stubborn about wanting things to work!
Ryan