The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Installing Wind lace

Does anyone have any trick or tips for installing the wind lace seal on a 1955 3100 1st gen. I took me two hours just to do the passenger side. Must be an easier way. Thanks in advance

Well, I just did my '51. Second time. Cab seal around the doorway, correct? The first time took me a while. Then I became a smarter monkey. Hand soap or dish washing liquid is your friend. Lube the section that goes in the track, the flap and the bulb. Slide the front doorway section first. Then slide the rear doorway section. You'll need to pull the bottom portion in a downward motion while feeding at the top. Then, at the top, I tucked the lower channel part and while pressing, pulled back the flap and used a screwdriver to snap in the upper channel part. A little pressing with your thumb and it wants to snap in to place.

This is all assuming what your working with is similar to what I was working with.

If you have a spare few inches send that thru all the channel first to locate any potential tight spots.

The edges of the metal channels were pinched after the windlace was in place. If the edges of your metal channels are pinched, widen the pinches.

Non scented, non silicone, personal lubricant on the rubber helps decrease friction.

Mark & Chuck posted very helpful advice, above.

Don't get crazy with opening up the channels. I did that during a near seizure-inducing fit of anger. Now the rubber is popping out all over the place. I "fixed" that with short self tapping screws all over the place.
Don't judge me. I quit tobacco, diet soda, carbohydrates, and alcohol at the same time. Apparently a diet of nothing but salty meat is not conducive to patience, nor rational thinking.
Carl

I did one side a few months ago,2 hours would have been nice.
been holding off on other side until I made a tool to open up channel and clean it without ruining it.

since it is not critical to getting on the road,it will wait

Hmmm. I must be getting good at it. Took me no more than an hour and a half total to do both sides. Helps that I recently painted the channel. The rubber slides a lot easier in that as opposed to rust and grime.

As usual all very good tips and timely also. Good luck 55mater. Steve

Thanks for all the advise. I found having two people made it go very quickly. One person pulling on the point of entry and the other guiding the lace they the chanel.