Door Weatherstripping

Cobalt289 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-19-2018, 11:37 AM

The door weatherstripping on my ERA 289 FIA is a modern foam, and it was applied to the body, not the doors. I understand it's more correct to have weatherstripping on the doors, so I want to remove the modern foam, clean up the body, and then apply the rubber weatherstripping provided by ERA to the doors themselves.

However, I'm a bit nervous, because (1) I don't want the adhesive remover (or my work / lack of knowledge) to screw up my paint, (2) I don't want to have to take the doors off, and (3) I'm not sure exactly where to apply the weatherstripping on the doors.

Anyone have recommendations on best adhesive remover?

Anyone know if I can do this without taking the doors off?

And most importantly for me, can anyone post photos of their doors so I can get a better idea of how and where to apply the weatherstripping?

Thank you!!!

strictlypersonl · #2 (**permalink**) 01-19-2018, 03:46 PM

Too bad they didn't read the manual. The gasket is supposed to be on the door...

Mineral Spirits might be your best bet to remove the adhesive, but I would definitely test it on a hidden area of paint before I committed. You might even try enamel reducer, if you can find a paint supplier that still has it.

spdbrake · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2018, 04:05 PM

I'm assuming you have contact cement adhesive that needs removal.

We switched to the 3M citrus based solvent for wing boot glue removal etc a few years ago with good results.

Should be safe on your paint but as Strictly mentioned check it a inconspicuous spot first.
The spec sheet shows its designed for adhesive types removal.
https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/...itrus-base.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/3M-6040-ADHES.../dp/B003ZHOZRO
Don't confuse the 6040 remover with the watered down 03618 automotive adhesive remover.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-03618-Adhe.../dp/B000BQYA7W

DanEC · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2018, 04:09 PM

I would get some DuPont Prep Sol first which is a panel degreaser and prep agent. It's very safe on paint and is sort of the safe approach. It may take a bit to soften the adhesive but it should clean the paint of adhesive. Another possibility is 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive Remover which you may find at an auto parts store or can be ordered over the internet. Possibly Goof Off is worth a try but I would test it on the paint in an inconspicuous area. After that you get into lacquer thinner and acetone which are definitely risky.

Cobalt289 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2018, 05:53 PM

Thanks very much for these suggestions regarding removal. But can you please post photos of the door showing how it's supposed to look? I have the ERA manual and it's helpful, but I would love to see some photos please. And can I put the weatherstripping on without removing the doors?

DanEC · #6 (**permalink**) 01-20-2018, 07:23 PM

I could post a few photos of mine tomorrow but I built my car and you might prefer to get photos form a car assembled by ERA. Also my car is black so the weatherstripping may not show up real well. You will need to take the doors off to apply the weatherstripping due to the wide hinge plate restricting access to the front of door area. I just don't think it's possible to properly glue it in place in that area otherwise.

You can outline the hinge where it meets the door fiberglass with tape to help position it correctly upon reinstalling them. Just very slowly close the door the first time looking for any sign of interference or rubbing (especially at the front) so that paint doesn't make contact and get damaged.

ALF · #7 (**permalink**) 01-21-2018, 01:06 AM

Olive oil is great to remove adhesive

DanEC · #8 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 07:31 AM

Well, since no one else has chimed in, here are some pictures of mine. I followed ERA's instruction manual for installation. Some of the photos are not very good due to backlighting from my garage lights, all black surfaces, and general poor photo shooting skills.

This shot of the front of the door shows how limited the access is unless the door is pulled.

Jaydee · #9 (**permalink**) 01-23-2018, 12:53 AM

I've used WD 40 for a lot of adhesives.
JD

Cobalt289 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-23-2018, 07:42 PM

DanEC - Thank you for posting those photos!

Peter (or any ERA owners - I know you're out there) - can you post some photos of the door weatherstripping for a 289 car built by ERA in-house?

PeteF · #11 (**permalink**) 01-24-2018, 02:19 PM

ERA2041 was built by ERA. There is a photo of the door panel and weatherstripping in the ERA website image gallery. In the FIA section, look down seven blocks and two from the left, a blue car.