~ 1969 Weatherstrip Retainers

[Raven R code 281]

Anyone have a solution for cleaning rock hard hardened adhesive off of the retainers? I tried a test spot with paint stripper and it doesn't seem to penetrate the rock hard adhesive. I would try boiling them if I could find something big enough to hold them. 

[Caseyrhe 650]

I used super unleaded, took a while to soften it up, but cameoff fairly easy. Then came back with lacquer thinner to remove residue before buffing them out. I used a bench grinder with buffing wheel attached, shield removed, and did all my chrome/ ss trim is a couple of hours. Use all the old chrome, the new stuff is so then, is buckles under pressure 

[Raven R code 281]

6 hours ago, Caseyrhe said:

I used super unleaded, took a while to soften it up, but cameoff fairly easy. Then came back with lacquer thinner to remove residue before buffing them out. I used a bench grinder with buffing wheel attached, shield removed, and did all my chrome/ ss trim is a couple of hours. Use all the old chrome, the new stuff is so then, is buckles under pressure 

Buffing?? Are these things visible once on the car? Or is buffing part of the cleaning process?  Soaking in gas sounds good but how to soak it without bending is the question. Did you make a soaking tray?

[aslanefe 333]

Stuff old rags on the channel and pour the liquid on it, soaked rags will keep the glue wet.

[Caseyrhe 650]

Brushed the gas on a foot at a time with a stiff parts cleaning brush, scraped with a plastic putty knife, and small flathead screw driver. 

Yes, the outer facing 1/4" lips are visible from interior and exterior

[RPM 1,190]

I'm about at the point of tackling this job. Has anyone tried a heat gun to soften the remaining weatherstrip and adhesive? I believe I'll try el fuego.

[Caseyrhe 650]

Heat gun might work, or at least make it easier. Wasn't fun by any means, did a foot at a time with a blocking board/support underneath as to not bend it

[Ridge Runner 1,112]

I have straightened cleaned and buffed a lot of trim .a screw driver works best with a little acitone painted on the gunk   .Be careful buffing the channel or any of the stainless ,if it hooks up it will slice you or get you in the face ,it is like a razor blade . Window trim is the worst 

[Caseyrhe 650]

I found that the drip edge trim, boomerang, and joint connector need to go on first, then weatherstrip channel, top quarter window shaft, and then weatherstripping. Then install quarter glass working around weatherstripping. When glass in, install retaining screw.

[RPM 1,190]

I tested a short section of the weather strip channel with a heat gun and the adhesive came right off. What are you guys using to seal the channel back on?

[Caseyrhe 650]

CJ has the foam, but I picked up what appeared the same thickness, density, and a hell of a lot cheaper at ace hardware. 

[MAC390 327]

Yes, got my foam at the hardware store also.

[RPM 1,190]

So, what is the thickness, 1/8" or so?

[Caseyrhe 650]

I believe so, 1" wide

[RPM 1,190]

Thanks Casey.