Does anyone know of a source for the metal channel that is spot-welded around the door opening to hold the door weatherstrip? The channel on my '50 3100 was corroded away about a foot up from the bottom. Thanks for any help Fantm2
I had similar problems on my 54. I finally took a chance and ordered a set of automotive side moulding. The aluminum channel was perfect for the rubber door molding. Found it in JC Whitney, they really charged a bunch for the shipping, but the aluminum track and vinyl mold were in the $25 range. I ditched the vinyl. How much do you need? I may have several feet of the channel left. I pop rivited it in. i really search a bunch before i did what I did, I am pleased with my solution. Thunder54
Since I posted the original note, I've found a vendor that sells the channel I need. It's about $75 for each door, which seems high to me. It comes in about 3 sections, so I figured I'd buy a set for one door and piece it in on both doors. I'd be interested in knowing the part number of the moulding you ordered from JC Whitney, though. For the money you're talking about, I might just replace it all. Thanks for your reply! f4fantm2
We make our own channel. Most are like yours and only the bottom foot or so is rusted so one doesn't have to contend with the curved sections at the top. Our brake will bend the 18 guage metal to about 135 degrees then one has to evenly tap the edges down with a rawhide mallet util you get the right "pinch" to hold the weatherstrip. I'm sure a sheet metal shop near you would do the bend and you could finish it. I'd get a couple extra so if you get it to tight you could try again. I've also seen the aluminum channel on cars that have vinyl "anti chip strips" in them. Good luck
Where did you find the channel. Do they have a website or phone number I might call. I did a bonehead thing when removing my rubber. I pulled the channel off not realizing that I was messing the channel up. I don't care abou the cost. It's worth the money for me to not mess with fabricating that peice. Thanks for the help
weatherstrip channel AKA windlace retainer For the forum......I've already passed this info to Kevin, but if anyone else is looking for this channel, go the the website "www.chevsofthe40s.com", type "windlace retainer" in the search box, and it will take you to the right place. The price is $70.00 per door.
Old thread revisited... Since I bought my cab windlace from JC over at the Carlisle swap meet, I did some research for hints on installation. My lower retainers are missing also so while my father was over I asked him if he could think of anything that looks similiar that I might use. He replied that it resembled those flat curtain rod bars. PAYDIRT!!! I bought one at Wally world for about $3 and it works perfectly. Hope this hillbilly option helps someone. Josh
