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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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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

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

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.

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.

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.

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! :metal:

Re: Doors Won't Close With New Door Rubber
 

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

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 ;)

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.

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

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.

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!