Question on window seal quality...

[James Romano]

I'm just about ready to have my rear window pulled, body work done and the seal replaced along with it. It's a sore spot on my car as it's covered in silicone, needs metal work and overall looks like crap.

So looking at the usual websites we all buy from... what is the difference in the quality between a seal that costs $199 compared to another for $99. Forget eBay, unless it's sold through another reputable dealer.

I don't plan on ever driving the car in the rain or bad weather... but I also don't want to "cheap-out" on the product. But what makes one $100 more than the other? Is the same place making the seal...is it that different in quality.

I used Steele Rubber products and have bought from Dante's as well. I plan on using either of them, but I just wanted to know why the cost is so different.

Thanks! Spring is a comin'!!!!

 

[Big_John]

I'm not sure what car you have. Too many cars and members to remember, so I'm going to speak generically.

There are three major manufacturers that I'm aware of that make window seals, Metro, Steele and Precision. There's a couple others, but those are the ones that will probably be making the parts we buy. The vendors we buy from, like Dante, Year One, or Classic, don't make seals, they buy them from these manufacturers.

For my '65 Barracuda, I researched and asked and it seemed that the Precision seal worked the best, so I shopped for the best price and delivery. Turned out to be DMT (no surprise) and it's someone that I like giving my money to, so that's a bonus.

But in researching, I found those same seals were all over the place in price. Some vendors either have a much larger margin or they don't buy enough volume to sell at a discounted price. Some are just greedy, some sell other products (like DMT) they manufacture and offer other products only to keep customers "in house" and don't expect to make any profit on those goods they don't make. It's all a game.

So, figure out what manufacturers make the seals for your car first. Next ask what everyone uses, but expect a lot of nonsense, like I buy from XYZ and not understanding the real question. From there, if you can figure out what fits best, buy according to price and delivery.

If you can't find out what is best, then it becomes a crap shoot... One manufacturer might be really good for one product, but not for another... Steel has some really good stuff, but I've heard that some doesn't fit as well... Same for Metro and Precision.

I probably didn't answer the question... Or maybe I did... If only one company manufactures your seals, it's all about how much the vendors charge.

 

[James Romano]

I'm not sure what car you have. Too many cars and members to remember, so I'm going to speak generically.

There are three major manufacturers that I'm aware of that make window seals, Metro, Steele and Precision. There's a couple others, but those are the ones that will probably be making the parts we buy. The vendors we buy from, like Dante, Year One, or Classic, don't make seals, they buy them from these manufacturers.

For my '65 Barracuda, I researched and asked and it seemed that the Precision seal worked the best, so I shopped for the best price and delivery. Turned out to be DMT (no surprise) and it's someone that I like giving my money to, so that's a bonus.

But in researching, I found those same seals were all over the place in price. Some vendors either have a much larger margin or they don't buy enough volume to sell at a discounted price. Some are just greedy, some sell other products (like DMT) they manufacture and offer other products only to keep customers "in house" and don't expect to make any profit on those goods they don't make. It's all a game.

So, figure out what manufacturers make the seals for your car first. Next ask what everyone uses, but expect a lot of nonsense, like I buy from XYZ and not understanding the real question. From there, if you can figure out what fits best, buy according to price and delivery.

If you can't find out what is best, then it becomes a crap shoot... One manufacturer might be really good for one product, but not for another... Steel has some really good stuff, but I've heard that some doesn't fit as well... Same for Metro and Precision.

I probably didn't answer the question... Or maybe I did... If only one company manufactures your seals, it's all about how much the vendors charge.

LOL... no, you answered it perfectly. '65 Ply SF HT.

I already used Steele on my trunk, and other rubber. I like the quality, they're good people, the fit was a minor issue on the cowl seal. I do have some rubber bleed on my radiator support from the radiator seal I bought from them. I was surprised at that.

But again, I like to ask because that's how you learn. I'll look at DMT, I value your opinion... as you've been spot on correct on a lot of questions I've had.

BTW... I read you did the Gary conversion. I'm thinking of doing it as well. My radio dumped out on me last year. I do have a BT Amp, hooked to two JBL speakers in the rear... but I think it's time to do it right and hook it all up together. Are you happy with it?

 

[Big_John]

LOL... no, you answered it perfectly. '65 Ply SF HT.

I already used Steele on my trunk, and other rubber. I like the quality, they're good people, the fit was a minor issue on the cowl seal. I do have some rubber bleed on my radiator support from the radiator seal I bought from them. I was surprised at that.

But again, I like to ask because that's how you learn. I'll look at DMT, I value your opinion... as you've been spot on correct on a lot of questions I've had.

BTW... I read you did the Gary conversion. I'm thinking of doing it as well. My radio dumped out on me last year. I do have a BT Amp, hooked to two JBL speakers in the rear... but I think it's time to do it right and hook it all up together. Are you happy with it?

I've been more than happy with the Gary Tayman conversions. Have them in my 300 and my Barracuda. Both let me use my XM radio or a thumb drive.

So everyone knows what we are talking about... Tayman Electrical stereo solutions for collector cars

The side window seal for your '65 might similar to the one in my 'Barracuda. I used a Metro seal and was incorrectly sent the B body version, which was identical, just a little shorter than the Barracuda piece. All was taken care of (I think it was my mistake) but it was interesting to learn the difference. All is good, it seals with my only complaint that I still have to slam the door occasionally.

 

[sprice]

I've been more than happy with the Gary Tayman conversions. Have them in my 300 and my Barracuda. Both let me use my XM radio or a thumb drive.

So everyone knows what we are talking about... Tayman Electrical stereo solutions for collector cars

The side window seal for your '65 might similar to the one in my 'Barracuda. I used a Metro seal and was incorrectly sent the B body version, which was identical, just a little shorter than the Barracuda piece. All was taken care of (I think it was my mistake) but it was interesting to learn the difference. All is good, it seals with my only complaint that I still have to slam the door occasionally.

X two on the Tayman Conversion. Did my 68' 300 am/fm search tune. No complaints.

 

[Knebel]

Is anyone aware of a rear quarter window seal for a 68 fury 2dr hd? I can't seem to find a replacement and had to jimmy someting up with a different seal that does not fit right.