47-55.1 Windlace questions

[TravisC]

This weekend I was working on my 49-50 cab, removing the old Windlace Ruber that was all dry-rotted and crumbly. Bottoms of the Windlace Channel was rusted away as well. the rubber was coming off in small chunks and leaving parts still in the channel. I was bending and just about destroying the channel profile tring to remove the rubber, well i found it was easier to just remove the channel it was spot welded on and was very easy to remove.

now my question.

What purpose does this windlace do, is it truly needed, or will the door weatherstripping be enough to keep out the elements.

I see several vendors sell the Channel, does this need to be spot welded back on or is this the screw on type?

Thanks