Roof rail "tabs"

[71Satellite98661]

Almost ready to install the galvanized roof rail weatherstrip retainers and thought about the rusted out tabs that are held down with one screw per side. What the heck are these things for? So the weather strip doesn't pop out at its mid-way point maybe? Are they reproduced or has anyone made their own? I'm thinking of making some out of something like 20-22 gauge metal and dipping them in that plasti-dip stuff for tool handles. I know, not correct but would keep from snagging on the ol' wash mit. Any thoughts?

[71bird]

I think you are talking about the blow out tabs. The are supposed to keep the glass from pushing out at the top. Yes they are reproduced, but I can't remember where I saw them, e bodies use the same thing.

[71Satellite98661]

That's is good news! I like the term for those things too, I'll do a search now...

Thanks again 71bird!

[C130FE]

We bought ours through R/T Specialities, but they do not have the plastic coating on them. jh

[71Satellite98661]

Thanks for the lead C130FE! I just placed my order.

[kenny]

I purchased some from mega parts probably the same as eveyone else sales since all this other stuff is. i sent mine back still trying to get a refund, as stated they do not have the coating on them furthermore the shape is not the same causing them to not fit in the channel. I suggest using a rust remover or better yet media blast the originals then coat them with plastidip. Thats what i did since the reproduction was so sloppy.

[71Satellite98661]

Thanks Kenny. After inspection, the old ones aren't too bad. There is still evidence of plastic on both. They'll go in the blast cabinet tonight after work. I've always wanted to try that plastidip anyway! Has anyone had to adjust their weatherstrip retainer in or out? I noticed the screw holes are slotted and I'm worried I won't be able to adjust mine. I added a thin bead of black silicone to the backside before installing.

[71Satellite98661]

The R/T Specialties reproductions showed up today. I guess after 24 years of living with the STUBS I assumed my originals are how they were supposed to look

[71Satellite98661]

What do you guys think? Reproductions look correct?

image.jpg (22.66 KiB) Viewed 19068 times

[71Satellite98661]

image.jpg (35.64 KiB) Viewed 19068 times

Side view

[kenny]

Look how much longer the flat side that fits into the channel , it will not fit just like the set i purchased and returned to mega parts but cant get them to process my refund although they said i could return them and i have tracking confirmation they received them, just get the "we have been so busy" email if they would process my refund it would take about the same amount of time as sending the lame email

[sdweatherman]

What do you guys think? Reproductions look correct?

image.jpg

Looks like they are a little off. I would test fit them to see. If they don't work, it looks like you could easily modify them to make them work. Let us know how it goes! Scott.

[71Satellite98661]

New ones fit like a champ! With a bit of trimming on the squared off end (about an 1/8"), they snapped right in place. Here's the deal, I tried Plasti Dip on the new ones (the original dip version) and it was way too thick. I recommend the spray version. I actually ended up stripping the dipped version off with paint thinner before it set up and just painted them low gloss black. Granted, my door glass is not in yet and will have to follow up in that regard.

[kenny]

New ones fit like a champ! With a bit of trimming on the squared off end (about an 1/8"), they snapped right in place. Here's the deal, I tried Plasti Dip on the new ones (the original dip version) and it was way too thick. I recommend the spray version. I actually ended up stripping the dipped version off with paint thinner before it set up and just painted them low gloss black. Granted, my door glass is not in yet and will have to follow up in that regard.

In addition to needing trimmed the top part is not shaped correct, even beside your broke one you can tell the first bend is wrong furthermore because they are not coated with the plastic stuff the orignals had and just metal that is plated black they will offer little in the way of anti-rattle for your glass and that is why they are on the car.

And sorry i did not mention the first time but you are correct if using the plastidip a few light coats of the spray version is what i did and worked well for me, didnt try the dip style.

[71Satellite98661]

Here are a couple of pics after installing the replacments. I think I'll head back to ACE and pick up some more spray on Plasti Dip. I appreciate the feedback!