<VV> EM windshield gasket

[Bill Hubbell]

I received my new EM windshield weatherstrip from Steele Rubber today.  As 
promised, here is my report comparing it to an original used (OEM) 
weatherstrip.  Refer to pictures at the following site:
http://community.webshots.com/album/377009302kNOLXF

I am happy to report the Steele weatherstrip does indeed faithfully 
reproduce the correct tapers and channel depths of the OEM weatherstrip.  I 
actually measured the widths and channel depths of both at the top and 
bottom corners, upper, side, and lower surfaces, and as near as I can tell 
they are identical.  Next, I successfully installed the stainless trim into 
all four surfaces, and I am satisfied that it fits correctly.

I have not attempted to install a windshield glass and the trim.  Since the 
replacement glass is generally not as thick as the OEM glass, I would expect 
there to be a little bit of slop as far as the thickness of the glass 
channel is concerned, but I would expect the trim to still fit correctly. 
Note that installing the trim and glass into the weatherstrip is not an easy 
task even when reusing an old gasket; it would certainly be more difficult 
with a new weatherstrip that has not yet been stretched.

Also, keep in mind that in the installed position, the side sections of the 
weatherstrip have to curve in the vertical plane (along the sides of the 
windshield).  When looking at the used OEM weatherstrip, this curve appears 
to be molded in. The reproduced weatherstrip does not have this curve - the 
side pieces are flat, but can be stretched to fit the trim.   Although the 
observed curve in my OEM weatherstrip could be a result of having been 
forced into that position over many years, I don't think that is actually 
the case: my used OEM gasket is still quite soft and pliable, with no checks 
or breaks.

One last point: the Steele weatherstrip has a number of molded rubber "nubs" 
that stick out on the corners and side sections (leftover from injection 
molding, no doubt) and the joints between the sides and top/bottom pieces 
are uneven.  Most, but not all, of these defects will be covered up by the 
installed stainless trim.

In conclusion, the Steele reproduction weatherstrip is certainly an 
improvement over what has been available elsewhere, but it is still not 
quite an "exact" reproduction.  It should work satisfactorily, however.

Bill Hubbell


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <kaczmarek at charter.net>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2005 11:56 AM
Subject: <VV> EM windshield gasket


> Folks
> I spoke with the CEO of Steele Rubber Products this AM regarding the 
> windshield gasket thread we were discussing last week.
>
> Here's the story.
>
> Steele's gasket is the only one out there (to our knowledge) that has the 
> correct tapers, and one of our repros has fit on a car with the trim 
> installed, and the trim fit without problems. This was part of the info I 
> got.
>
> Here's the rest of it.
>
> Steele isn't the only company out there that makes a window gasket for the 
> EM Corvair. There is at least one other. The other company makes them for 
> a bit less money.
>
> Obviously I can't make a statement that singles out one or more of our 
> vendors. We appreciate all the business they do with us.  But I can say 
> with authority that all of the vendors DO NOT buy our gasket. Some vendors 
> appear to use ours exclusively, others don't. That's all I can say.
>
> My advice---order your gasket direct from Steele.
> 800-544-8665
> my extension is 212- I will be happy to take an order from you.
>
> Regards
> HANK
>
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