1984-1989 C4 Coupe and Convertible Door Weatherstrip Seals Latex - OEM Number(s) (17986019,17986020)
Keep the wind and elements from invading your 1984-1989 Corvette by replacing the Door to Body Seals.
These are the main door seals, to seal the door to the body. They extend from the upper front of door to the back, one piece, with molded ends.
Made from LATEX. Latex gives the look, feel and “softness” of OE style weatherstrips. Softer than EPDM and has original style "skin" as found on OE factory weatherstrips. Allows for excellent fit, finish and functionality.
- Sold as a Pair
- Latex
- Fits Coupe and Convertible
How to Maintain 1984-1996 C4 Corvette Weatherstrips
1984 through 1996 model Corvettes use similar weatherstrip seals. Since 1984, weatherstrip seal design has changed several times to its present form as seen on 1996 production model Corvettes. In this article we will focus primarily on 1996 design weatherstrip seals used on both C4 Corvette Coupes and C4 Corvette Convertibles.
Proper maintenance of your weatherstrip seals is crucial to their longevity. Corvette weatherstrip seals are produced from latex foam molded into shape and then coated with neoprene rubber. The end result is a very pliable, self supporting seal that will shape itself to the surrounding components. This pliable characteristic can cause problems if the weatherstrip seal is not properly maintained. Use of a silicone based conditioner is highly recommended at all "butt joints" as well as on all exposed surfaces of weatherstrip seals. Lubricating the butt joint provides a slick mating surface for both seals eliminating the tendency for the weatherstrip seals to wrinkle. A thick silicone gel generally works best at these locations. Exposed surfaces of weatherstrip seals need the same amount of attention as that given to painted areas of your Corvette. The neoprene rubber outer surface of Corvette weatherstrip seals is porous and if not sealed, will deteriorate from solar exposure. Deterioration generally starts with a crack or tear in the rubber skin after the sun has dried out the seal and allowed it to become brittle. Regular application of weatherstrip seal conditioner will dramatically reduce pre-mature deterioration of your weatherstrip seals. Armor-All "Low Gloss" protectant is one of the best products available providing a factory original appearance and the lubrication and protection of a silicone based product. Each time you wash your Corvette, remember to maintain your weatherstrip seals; they will last longer, perform better and look like new.
How to Remove and Reinstall 1984-1996 C4 Corvette Door Weatherstrip Seals
1. Read through all instructions before starting.
2. It is not necessary to remove the door panel completely.
3. Remove the positive battery cable to prevent a dead battery from the courtesy lights being on.
4. The door weather seal is attached to the door at each end with 7 mm headed screws. (1984-1989)(1990-1996) (Fig. 1, Item 2) The rest of the seal is attached to the door by plastic push-in retainers made into the seal (Fig. 1). There is no adhesive used on the seal except at each end of the seal (Fig. 1, Item C).
5. Remove the door panel attaching screws (Fig. 2, Item 7), and lift the door panel up until the top of the door panel can be pulled inward allowing access to the ends of the weather seal. On 1984-1989 Corvettes, if the car has a Bose speaker in the door, remove the speaker cover first.
6. Starting at the top front and rear corners of the door, remove the 7 mm screws (Fig. 1, Item 2) which hold the seal to the door.
7. Using the seal scrapper/cutter tools, lift up the front and rear corners of the seal and cut any adhesive holding the ends of the weather seal to the door. Pull the seal loose until the plastic push-in retainers are the only thing holding the seal to the door (Fig. 1).
8. Using the retainer removal tool with the grooved end, remove the push-in retainers by slipping the tool's grooved end under the head of the pin and prying the tip out of the door. Continue removing the retainers until the weatherstrip seal is free of the door.
9. After the seal is removed, use the scrapper/cutter tools to remove any remaining old adhesive from the top front and rear corners of the door (Fig. 1, Item C).
Installation of New Weatherstrip Seals Procedure:
10. Starting at the rear of the door push in the first plastic push-in retainer into the door. From that point working toward the front of the door until all of the retainers are in place. The seal should now be permanently attached except at each end.
11. Apply a 3/8 inch bead of weatherstrip seal adhesive where the seal ends are to be attached to the door.
12. Push the rear and front seal ends into position over the adhesive.
13. Reinstall the 7 mm screws (Fig. 1, Item 2) into the ends of the weatherstrip seal.
14. Before closing the doors, using a soft cloth, rub some silicone dielectric grease on the new weatherstrip seals. This will prevent future cracking, and it will ensure a better seal against the glass.
15. It is VERY IMPORTANT to allow about one hour for the adhesive to cure before closing the doors.
16. Reconnect the positive battery cable.
Also known under these part numbers: (For reference only)
- 17986019
- 17986020
- 34278
- KG3156
- WS-4680