Can't help on the first part, but on the weatherstrip, soak it with oil (regular motor oil) for a few days. Then chisel it out in a hundred pieces. wink
Actually the oil will soften it up a bit and you may be able to get it out in 2 or 3 pieces. Or maybe 20.

Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
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1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.