Replacing side window weatherstrip - '88 w/ vents

[Rimjam]

Ordered the beltline weatherstrip rubbers from Rock Auto. Been years & years since I tackled a similar job. Do you have to take the window out or can you remove the bottom stop & lower the window enough to slip the new weatherstrips in place? Has power windows if that makes a difference.

 

[RobbieD]

In case it helps-

On my '84 without vent windows I tapped the new beltline weatherstrips into place with a hammer's wooden handle, without any problems. On my '84 XLT the interior door trim panel (or "card") does not go all the way to the glass; I think that your '88 may have a full interior panel, and if you're doing the inside weatherstrip (anti-rattle, actually) I think that it may be attached to the interior panel instead of directly to the door metal.

The main thing is to make sure that the clips on the back of the weatherstrips are aligned (just caught) to properly go into the door's holes when tapped home. If I recall, I did mine with the glass slightly up, just pushed it back as needed. On yours with vents, you'll have the front channel which may restrict your pushing the glass back as much as mine allowed.

I'm pretty sure that power / non-power shouldn't make a difference.

Also, I did mine "years and years" ago, too.

Good luck!

 

[Shran]

I think you can do it with the window in place. Door panel removed will help .

 

[Rimjam]

I think you can do it with the window in place. Door panel removed will help .

Thanks for helpful hints guys.
Job done w/o removing glass or door panel. Fairly hard to pry old weatherstrip out w/o bending door metal - just go easy, start at front. Had to trim one piece of new rubber off about 1/16" @ front for correct fit. Snapped it in with thumb pressure. Seems to be quality product.

 

[RobbieD]

Glad to hear it went well, thanks for the follow up.