I found this, makes your WS look short.

https://www.cjponyparts.com/mustang.../mustang-roofrail-weatherstrip-1967-1968-coupe-installation-instructions/a/317/

 

I wonder if your weatherstrip is actually for 65-66? I don't really know, just guessing. I seriously doubt the install requires stretching it to make it fit. As far as adhesives, I would have figured just using 3M weather strip adhesive, available at just about any local jobber. Usually comes in black or yellow, personally I've always liked the black stuff.

On another note I hear ya on family and friends giving you a hard time on never getting it finished. I hear it every now and again as well. I usually hear, "You finish that car yet? I'll be dead before you finish that!" As to which now I reply, "I'll gladly add your name to the list!" I actually thought about making the list on a piece of cardboard and hanging it on my garage wall. >

I wish you all the best on finishing your car and also on your retirement. Cheers

 

The car sure looks good from what I can see...good luck getting the car finished and on time!

"Little" issues like that will drive one crazy.

Allen

 

69GT350 and Caper50 - Yeah, it does look short and that might be why (65-66). The Repops box says 67-68, but I guess mistakes can happen. Would've though that light bulb might've gone off in my head... I'll see if I can run down the 65/66 and 67/68 WS lengths online, check against my set. You're right, Turnall, It's the little issues, the things I think should be easy, that drive me nuts. As I saw on someone's avatar, 'What's a bolt-on?' Now that's funny.

Thanks for the positive comments, y'all, and thanks Caper50, for the laugh. Even my wife liked it, she's suggesting a plaque with everyone's name on it as a memento.

Lastly, anyone have any install tips?

Thanks for the input, folks.

 

When i did a 66 coupe a few weeks ago it was a little long maybe because I started at one end and was pulling on it as I went. Kinda makes me wonder if yours was mis-packaged and you got fastback instead. Wes

 

Did check the left against the right, and both were the same length. Does kinda lean towards just an incorrect set. And since you did a coupe a few weeks ago, can you offer any install tips? Does my proposed process hold water (nod to Cousin Vinny)?

 

Hmmmmmm, where's the chrome drip rail that the weatherstrip goes into?

 

I have a drip rail that I haven't installed yet, but don't (didn't) think it affects WS install. Here's what I've been working to from the Osborn Body manual, all it shows is the stainless channel (part 1 in the drawing, in yellow) and the WS itself (part 2). And I don't have anything left in the trim pile that looks like it would have to be installed as part of the WS. Am I missing something?

 

Just rechecked the Repops package, and it is identified as a 68 coupe, both by Repops and NPD. The WS measures about 68" (rubber only), about 68-3/4" if I measure to the hole in the front mounting tab. The channel measures about 72" (front screw hole to where the rubber should end), so there's at least a 3" difference in length. Haven't been able to find WS lengths online yet, guess I'll just have to order another set and see what I get.

If anyone out there is doing a 65/66 or 67/68 coupe build and has uninstalled roof rail WS handy, would appreciate it if you would measure the length and post it here. Be a good reference.

Thanks.

 

If anyone out there is doing a 65/66 or 67/68 coupe build and has uninstalled roof rail WS handy, would appreciate it if you would measure the length and post it here. Be a good reference.
Thanks.

I'll check my stash of parts to see if I have a set to provide a measurement.

 

I would go ahead and install the chrome channel trim. I used a continuous piece of black 3m double sided mlding tape for the material "c" in that illustration,under the trim, then you can dry fit the weatherstrip for a better idea of how its going to turn out. You can stretch it a little during installation. The car is going to be fantastic when you get it done. Mine was off the road for 30 years and I heard all the friends and family comments about never finishing it. Even after the painting was done it took 3 more years to put it back together and get it on the road..maybe 2017? Time flys and none of us are getting any younger!

 

Sorry geicoman, forgot you. Already have the tape installed, and the roof rail trim isn't tweaked / polished yet, so isn't ready to be installed. Figured that was jewelry that could wait, but I'll check, make sure it doesn't have to go on first.

 

When I installed mine in my 67 coupe, I originally thought I would get away without using adhesive. It sits in the channel pretty well. You can go back later and pull parts out and apply adhesive without pulling the whole thing at once and moving it around. Check out my blog if interested. https://bapony.com/2017/03/19/installing-roofrail-weatherstriping/ I also agree that you look like you have too short of a WS.

 

Yeah, that's what I was thinking as well, until the WS came up short in the middle of the C pillar. And I will take a look at the blog, not only for this, but for the road still ahead.

And Caper50, appreciate it.

For those of you offering + vibes, here's where we are. Thanks for the supportive comments. I'm also rebuilding a basement bathroom for my sister-in-law, and plan to retire by the end of the year.

 

Mine (66 coupe) are Daniel Carpenter and measure 71.5"

 

Are they now. And that's for a 66, almost exactly my 68 roofrail measurement, so maybe I do have fastback WS. Guess it's time to add WS to the shopping list.

And have to laugh, Knapper, I'm in SC, and it's July, and I know what the inside of my garage feels like, and if they ain't stretched out to their limit yet they ain't never gonna be. :grin2: Thanks for the suggestion, though, maybe I'll plop them in the sun on the driveway and see what happens.

Still haven't gotten an answer to my original question though - how do I get the WS properly positioned before the WS adhesive locks it down? This is the real problem.....

 

I am not sure if this had already been suggested, but you might try setting them out in the sun for a couple hours prior to installing. 3” may be too much, but you might be able to gain it...just a thought if all other avenues fail.

 

Double post, sorry can't delete

 

1967-1968 coupe roof rail weatherstrip install guide

 

Yeah, seen that, Caper50. I like the way they gloss over applying the adhesive - 'Put the new seal in by pushing it into the inside edge of the track and tucking the outside edge into the track. Apply 3M weatherstrip adhesive as you go.' I dunno, I've seen several references to contact cement and the 0 second working time, how once it grabs that's where it stays. But there's not much concern in a post like this. Put the WS in place before the adhesive tacks up? Am I overthinking this?

 

I used 3m contact cement and you do have a couple of seconds to reposition the w/s if you need to. I poured some contact cement in an empty small container and used a tiny chip brush from harbor freight to spread the cement onto the w/s part that goes in the stainless retainer. Wes

 

5. Starting at the rear and working forward. Put the new seal in by pushing it into the inside edge of the track and tucking the outside edge into the track. Apply 3M weatherstrip adhesive as you go.

 

I use 3m adhesive and do a zig zag squirt along the metal channel for 10 to 12 inches. Then run a bead of 3m on the back of the seal and smooth it out with the side of tube tip then install the rubber trim, I put the flange on the thicker side in first then tuck in the thinner edges. Then I use my fingers to work it into place. I never have had trouble repositioning it. It's not as sticky as contact adhesive so can be pulled apart. I dont wait for it to dry before installing though so that may be the reason

As I get about 2/3rds around I start checking length against the channel to make sure I have not inadvertently stretched or compressed it along its length

Cheers Peter

 

To clarify. I do small lengths at a time so I dont have sealant getting everywhere. Apply adhesive to an area, install and move to next section

 

Thanks for the thoughts, Peter. That sounds like a workable plan. Should order some parts this week, including new WS, so I'll post my results once I'm done.

Thanks, all, for the help.