Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

NoNeck · 07-23-2012, 08:46 AM

We installed new door rubber around the perimeter of the doors on my son's 1970 GMC, but now the doors are almost impossible to get latched. We knew the doors would close tighter, but you really have to slam them to get them closed. Is this normal?

We have tried parking it in the 100 degree sun for a couple of hours with the windows closed to see if the rubber softened up, but its not much better.

Will it gradually get better with use, or are door adjustments in order? Thanks for any input.

NoNeck

geezer#99 · 07-23-2012, 08:50 AM

Yes they will get better. You might need to adjust the striker out a bit for awhile. You could use a hair dryer to apply a little localized heat.

**RenoKeene** · 07-23-2012, 09:20 AM

I tweeked my 70 GMC strikers and hinges until they latch with very little effort, set the gaps while I was at it. This took me a couple hours making minor adjustments as I went along. If you have the patience (and I'm sure you guys do) have at it. If your working with good paint you might want to tape all your edges with blue painter's tape before you start.

Dunenutt · 07-23-2012, 09:29 AM

Don't adjust anything. Tear them out, and install these.

http://www.soffseal.com/store/main.aspx

Mine were impossible to close. I ripped them out and installrf the sofseals. The first time you close the door, it will shut with only a slight nudge. No messing around, they just work.

**CC69Rat** · 07-23-2012, 09:31 AM

These are the push on type from GMCPauls. The door needs a little adjusting I'm sure. The lower edge is noticably 'in' at the bottom. I think we can tweak it some pop.

AirSpeed · 07-23-2012, 10:04 AM

Mine did the same thing, I could hardly get them to latch at all. I adjusted the striker out a little, my doors close nicely and are flush with the body still, I only had to move it out about 1/4 inch.
Posted via Mobile Device

**70cst** · 07-23-2012, 10:23 AM

I bought my seals from WES at Classic Heartbeat (I believe) and they performed just fine. Not sure what brand WES sells.

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/rubb...atherstrip.htm

nds1968 · 07-23-2012, 10:34 AM

You can check to see how tight you have the rubber where they meet each other. I've seen people cut a V to allow the air to escape. But it sounds like you may need to do some adjusting also. Nate

bbadfred · 07-23-2012, 12:55 PM

My GMC pauls weather strips went on very easy, no glue mess!!!, one side was fine had to adj striker a lil on pass side. They look great and seal well and like I said very easy to install.

**CC69Rat** · 07-23-2012, 01:20 PM

We only have the driver on at this point, I think it's just the bottom front edge of the door. Pop, post some pics if you can .. (closed) I think it's a little tight in that lower edge.

**leddzepp** · 07-23-2012, 02:35 PM

I used GMC Paul's door seals as well. I have to say they are the best fitting aftermarket part that has gone on my truck. Every truck is different, the doors might need some adjusting. I am sure you will get it worked out.

cougarchi · 12-30-2014, 04:14 PM

this is an old thread, but it was very helpful. I got new rubber from LMC and had the same problem. super annoying! anyways I was getting frustrated so I pushed as hard as i possibly could and got it to close and then left it there for a couple of days squeezed shut hoping it would stick that way. I pulled it open today and noticed that there was a little tiny hole that was trying to suck air into the weatherstripping. LIGHTBULB! duh there's a bunch of air inside the rubber! and air doesn't really like to be compressed (that's kind of why pneumatics work). Long story short, I got them to close by taking an exacto knife and poking holes in the rubber every six inches or so around it so all the air could escape when the door squishes it, and now it closes just fine, and they are just tiny little holes so you can't even see them. didn't have to adjust the striker or anything. woohoo I love it when simple stuff works!

coopdog · 12-30-2014, 04:43 PM

I had the same problem, Just slam the door it will shut.

cougarchi · 12-30-2014, 04:50 PM

Amen Amen Reverend !

How many problems are solved by simply slamming it shut? haha i like your style

**leddzepp** · 12-30-2014, 04:55 PM

If you have problems with the seals bein too tight, pick up some 86-96 dodge Dakota seals from a junkyard. They push on, are already broken in, already have air relief holes drilled in, and are beyond inexpensive. Win win win win.

Sparky dave · 10-21-2018, 08:11 PM

Dodge Dakota seals and 09 civic seals been mentioned. But if just found the same profile brand new and reasonably priced on eBay under ‘car bonnet seals’ if anyone interested

**dmjlambert** · 10-21-2018, 08:28 PM

Have you tried it, and is there an eBay car bonnet seal you have found that works well? I see there are many different ones.

panhead59 · 10-21-2018, 08:43 PM

Just bend pinch weld. All else is dancing around the problem. Just used $20 rock auto (precision seals made in thailand) and get at least 3/8" gap all around door, especially at top. Not rocket science. Just did mine today. Metal work on these trucks was/is horrible. You are dealing with 68-72 craftmanship not modern computerize lazer cut down to the millimeter stuff ! Door gaps aren't perfect and nothing else is either. You gotta deal with what you've got. Old fashioned hotrodding!

07-23-2012, 08:46 AM	#1
NoNeck Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 1,108	Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber We installed new door rubber around the perimeter of the doors on my son's 1970 GMC, but now the doors are almost impossible to get latched. We knew the doors would close tighter, but you really have to slam them to get them closed. Is this normal? We have tried parking it in the 100 degree sun for a couple of hours with the windows closed to see if the rubber softened up, but its not much better. Will it gradually get better with use, or are door adjustments in order? Thanks for any input. NoNeck __________________ 2016 RAM Laramie HEMI 1966 Fairlane GT/A, 390/335 HP If it costs you a dollar to make a friend, KEEP THE DOLLAR. If it costs you a friend to make a dollar, KEEP THE FRIEND.

07-23-2012, 08:50 AM	#2
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,749	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber Yes they will get better. You might need to adjust the striker out a bit for awhile. You could use a hair dryer to apply a little localized heat.

07-23-2012, 09:20 AM	#3
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,034	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber I tweeked my 70 GMC strikers and hinges until they latch with very little effort, set the gaps while I was at it. This took me a couple hours making minor adjustments as I went along. If you have the patience (and I'm sure you guys do) have at it. If your working with good paint you might want to tape all your edges with blue painter's tape before you start. __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

07-23-2012, 09:29 AM	#4
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber Don't adjust anything. Tear them out, and install these. http://www.soffseal.com/store/main.aspx Mine were impossible to close. I ripped them out and installrf the sofseals. The first time you close the door, it will shut with only a slight nudge. No messing around, they just work. __________________ My Build, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...58#post4464158

07-23-2012, 09:31 AM	#5
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,214	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber These are the push on type from GMCPauls. The door needs a little adjusting I'm sure. The lower edge is noticably 'in' at the bottom. I think we can tweak it some pop. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

07-23-2012, 10:04 AM	#6
AirSpeed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fall River California Posts: 2,027	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber Mine did the same thing, I could hardly get them to latch at all. I adjusted the striker out a little, my doors close nicely and are flush with the body still, I only had to move it out about 1/4 inch. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v655/aaronhero/

07-23-2012, 10:23 AM	#7
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,374	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber I bought my seals from WES at Classic Heartbeat (I believe) and they performed just fine. Not sure what brand WES sells. http://www.classicheartbeat.com/rubb...atherstrip.htm __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

07-23-2012, 10:34 AM	#8
nds1968 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 1,694	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber You can check to see how tight you have the rubber where they meet each other. I've seen people cut a V to allow the air to escape. But it sounds like you may need to do some adjusting also. Nate __________________ Nate 1967 short fleet Project Blue Goose 'If it don't bounce back... heeheehee you go hungry!" Blues Brothers

07-23-2012, 12:55 PM	#9
bbadfred bbadfred Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: rantoul Il Posts: 461	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber My GMC pauls weather strips went on very easy, no glue mess!!!, one side was fine had to adj striker a lil on pass side. They look great and seal well and like I said very easy to install.

07-23-2012, 01:20 PM	#10
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,214	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber We only have the driver on at this point, I think it's just the bottom front edge of the door. Pop, post some pics if you can .. (closed) I think it's a little tight in that lower edge. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

07-23-2012, 02:35 PM	#11
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,046	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber I used GMC Paul's door seals as well. I have to say they are the best fitting aftermarket part that has gone on my truck. Every truck is different, the doors might need some adjusting. I am sure you will get it worked out. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

12-30-2014, 04:14 PM	#12
cougarchi Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Highland, Utah Posts: 4	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber this is an old thread, but it was very helpful. I got new rubber from LMC and had the same problem. super annoying! anyways I was getting frustrated so I pushed as hard as i possibly could and got it to close and then left it there for a couple of days squeezed shut hoping it would stick that way. I pulled it open today and noticed that there was a little tiny hole that was trying to suck air into the weatherstripping. LIGHTBULB! duh there's a bunch of air inside the rubber! and air doesn't really like to be compressed (that's kind of why pneumatics work). Long story short, I got them to close by taking an exacto knife and poking holes in the rubber every six inches or so around it so all the air could escape when the door squishes it, and now it closes just fine, and they are just tiny little holes so you can't even see them. didn't have to adjust the striker or anything. woohoo I love it when simple stuff works! Last edited by cougarchi; 12-30-2014 at 04:17 PM. Reason: forgot to add one more thing

12-30-2014, 04:43 PM	#13
coopdog Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: NYC Posts: 429	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber I had the same problem, Just slam the door it will shut.

12-30-2014, 04:50 PM	#14
cougarchi Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Highland, Utah Posts: 4	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber Amen Amen Reverend ! How many problems are solved by simply slamming it shut? haha i like your style

12-30-2014, 04:55 PM	#15
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,046	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber If you have problems with the seals bein too tight, pick up some 86-96 dodge Dakota seals from a junkyard. They push on, are already broken in, already have air relief holes drilled in, and are beyond inexpensive. Win win win win. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul



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10-21-2018, 08:11 PM	#16
Sparky dave Registered User Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Leeds west yorkshire Posts: 307	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber Dodge Dakota seals and 09 civic seals been mentioned. But if just found the same profile brand new and reasonably priced on eBay under ‘car bonnet seals’ if anyone interested

10-21-2018, 08:28 PM	#17
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,894	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber Have you tried it, and is there an eBay car bonnet seal you have found that works well? I see there are many different ones.

10-21-2018, 08:43 PM	#18
panhead59 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vinton, Va. Posts: 493	Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber Just bend pinch weld. All else is dancing around the problem. Just used $20 rock auto (precision seals made in thailand) and get at least 3/8" gap all around door, especially at top. Not rocket science. Just did mine today. Metal work on these trucks was/is horrible. You are dealing with 68-72 craftmanship not modern computerize lazer cut down to the millimeter stuff ! Door gaps aren't perfect and nothing else is either. You gotta deal with what you've got. Old fashioned hotrodding! __________________ "You are not forgotten" USMC 75-79 (Aviation Ordnance Tech- F-4 Phantom) 1959 H-D Panhead. Owned since 1978. Currently with son in Lawton, OK. 1968 Chevy Custom SWB pick up. Fleetside. Lowered 4/6. Totally refurbished. 1966 Pontiac GTO. 4 speed. Saved original 389. Now has slightly built 455 engine. 355 rear gears. Very fun to drive ! Last edited by panhead59; 10-21-2018 at 08:51 PM.

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