84 Corvette Weatherstripping

[vsocks]

Hi,
Just need a little advice. I have a 84 corvette from Arizona that I am re doing. The weatherstrip is all cracked, hard, and falling out. I have new weatherstrip which I want to install but wonder if it is smart. On one hand I would like to be able to limited drive it and wash it without water/wind entering everywhere. On the other hand it will be painted in a year or two after all my other mechanical work is complete and I don't want to replace again when I paint. Can it be painted later nicely and leave the weatherstrip on?
Thanks in advance for any advice or experienced.

[Ali Croff]

it depends on how much you want to spend on the paint job. The more $ the better paint job and they'll tape it all off; however, a place like Maaco isn't going to go to all that trouble

[E Honda]

Maco will tape it off Hell I worked at one time for earl schieb and we taped em and a paint job was only 99.99..........But for the best quality and coverage it is best to have the weatherstripping off the car. The stripping slides into channels and is held inplace at the ends by screws at this time do not use any type of glue and maybe lightly lube the track so it wont stick from the heat and tear.
But remove before painting. Corvette weather stripping is not cheap. I have redone all mine to the tune of over 500.00 .....Lots of money for some rubber. Trojans are less but a whole lot more fun....
Anyway,,,,The next guy to possibly buy your car will notice the painted weather stripping and if hes a vette man he knows what that shit costs...

[runhot]

Hey Guys! Just an FYI, I had my 'Vette painted at MAACO Riverside & it was great! I bought the best paint job package available that included a clear coat. I was able to specify the exact factory Corvette color I wanted (2001 Magnetic Red E379) and paid the upcharge to have it color sanded & buffed. They not only masked some of the weatherstripping on the lower doors but removed it on most of the hatch & roof panel and put it back on later. There was no visible overspray or paint on any of the weatherstrip in any of the visible places. (Just a bit on the extreme bottom of the doors upside down side) If your weatherstripping isn't leaking now I suggest waiting and pull it off prior to repainting. That way you can be sure your new paint will be applied even under the weatherstrip area. Even if you wait to remove the old weatherstrip after the paint job and then replace it the new weatherstipping will cover any area not coated with new paint so no worries! I also suggest if you are buying new weatherstripping that you consider some of the ebay sellers offering it at a discount. I was able to get the rear hatch weatherstripping for $60 incl shipping vs $149 plus shipping at Mid-America. (both examples were repros) The rear roof section was $70 vs $120-$149 in the various Corvette catalogs and I found the door weatherstripping for $60 witha 30 yr guarantee! (again $99 to $149 elswhere). GM products are more of course & as much as double the price. (I can't justify that for my particular car). Good luck!