Seals and Weatherstripping

[Mark Howard]

Hi guys -

Well, I have reached the point in my restoration when it is time to order new seals and weatherstripping. The entire auto needs them. Q: Should I order OEM rubber or go with the cheaper reproduction seals. In my research it appears that most parts houses like the OEM better, but some still offer the repro. Advice anyone??

mh
75 914 1.8 "Seeing the end of the tunnel"

[John Rogers]

I would recommend the OEM as the reproduction seals I have seen did not fit as well. This is especially important around the top and windows. Good luck.

[TimW]

Based on expert advice, I am convinced OEM's are far superior to reproductions. Knowing that, I'm still going with a mix of OEM and reproductions. Why you may ask?

Primarily price. I can't, or don't want too, afford to spend as much on seals as I paid for the car.

Reproductions can be significantly less than OEM's. One piece in particular is about $55 OEM and $15 repro. At that price difference I can afford to replace it with new repro's a few times.

For other pieces where the price difference is minimal I'll use OEM.

I'm okay with using repro's for two key reasons:

1. My 914 is never going to win any concourse competition, and doesn't warrant paying a premium for OEM seals.
2. I'll rarely, if ever, drive my 914 in harsh weather (other than sun), and will, as long as I own it, keep it garaged.

As for the fit of repro's, you may get in trouble there, but I have been lucky so far in that all my pieces have been good fits.

My $.02.

Tim

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Don't forget about the rear roof seal that is oaver $300 new, or that you can make yourself for about $8! Check for Demick Boyden's tech article in the Tech Articles section of the Pelican website.

Sadly, the windshield/roof seal seems to be NLA. There were a lot of problems with these OEM seals splitting. You might have to go aftermarket on that one.

--DD

[JmuRiz]

Who makes non OE weather stripping? Of is most of what I see repo parts? Also will new seals on the targa-bar and top, around the windows, help stop the rattling over bumps? Thanks.

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'73 2.0 914

[HMeeder]

I can't say anything about the maker of the Repo seals. However, I did make a new rear targa bar seal according to Demick Boyden's article here on the site and I can vouch that the procedure does work. It is a bit tricky and I did modify the procedure just a bit. Results: The roof does not rattle, is a great seal, and I pocketed (or didn't spend) $280. The actual cost was closer to $20 (I used "Automotive Goop" instead of contact cement, replaced the screws and polished the chrome.) I highly recommend it. As long as you aren't going to concourse the car, you can replace the thing 15 times. Give it a shot.

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Herb