Yes, checking the channels first for any potential dings is very important. I then would clean the channel out of any dirt deposits, etc. A little brass hand brush with soft bristles chasing the channel wouldn't hurt.

I've done two truck now and both time used talcum powder as the lubricant. Worked perfectly. Another area that needs attention is the beginning opening of the channel. Be sure it is burr free. I remember rounding the entry corners. During installation, I used a pair of pliers, pulling the leading end of the windlace up into the channel while constantly making sure the windlace was not hanging up on the beginning opening of the channel.

Sometimes you can pull the lace a couple feet with your pliers, let go and it will retain a lot of the torque you just created, go back to the beginning and feed the lace into the opening channel by pushing it up and into.

Lots of talcum powder, just like when you are trying to put on a scuba diving wet suit.

If you decide to install a spotlight......That adds a whole new level of windlace and channel issues.

Craig

My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear
My truck ....... Respect The Rust
If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.