Automotive Weatherstrips | Beltline ...

Comprehensive Automotive Solutions

Fairchild Industries stands out as a premier supplier of automotive components, catering to OEMs, tiered suppliers, and distributors within the restoration and collision markets. Our extensive inventory encompasses thousands of SKUs, uniquely positioned to provide high-grade parts that cater to a diverse array of vehicles. Our primary focus lies in manufacturing beltline weatherstrips, window channels, door seals, vent window seals, and window seals.

Read more

Specialized Parts Manufacturing

At Fairchild Industries, we take pride in our ability to produce custom automotive components that extend beyond our standard catalog. Our skilled in-house engineers excel at creating parts such as cross-member bushings, polyurethane bushings, engine mounts, shift boots, fender flares, heater hoses, and latex seals. We employ cutting-edge techniques including geometry-based product design and reverse engineering to ensure a perfect fit and high-quality performance. Our mission is to enhance existing OEM parts, providing our automotive clientele with superior solutions.

Importance of Automotive Seals and Weatherstripping

Seals and weatherstripping play a vital role in protecting vehicles from noise, dust, water, and other environmental factors. Fairchild Industries offers a robust selection of beltline weatherstrips and sealing solutions designed to address varied automotive requirements. Our products include:

• • Beltline Weatherstrips: Crucial for maintaining vehicle integrity, these weatherstrips seal gaps along the vehicle's beltline, defending against external elements and contributing to a quieter ride. Crafted from high-grade rubber, our beltline weatherstrips promise long-lasting durability and performance.
  • Window Channels: Designed for ensuring smooth and secure window operation, these channels maintain alignment and functionality.
  • Door Seals: Essential for creating a tight seal and keeping out unwanted elements, our door seals are made for durability.
  • Vent Window Seals: Offering a precise fit and optimal protection, our vent window seals enhance comfort.
  • Weatherstripping: Our extensive weatherstripping collection, made from different rubber types, guarantees an excellent fit and high performance, preventing water and dust intrusion.
  • Closure Seals: Expertly designed to fill gaps and secure closures, enhancing comfort by reducing drafts and noise.
  • Polymers: We supply polymer-based components like polyurethane bushings and latex seals, recognized for their durability and performance in automotive applications, playing a crucial role in maintaining vehicle safety and functionality.
  • Window Seals: Engineered for a precise fit and enduring performance, our window seals ensure environmental factors are kept outside.

Engineering Capabilities and Customer Support

Fairchild Industries goes beyond mere supply of automotive parts; we provide specialized engineering services tailored to meet the specific needs of automotive manufacturers. From initial prototyping to large-scale production, our dedicated team collaborates closely with clients to deliver innovative solutions driven by quality. With over five decades of experience and a firm dedication to beltline weatherstrips and other automotive components, we focus on enhancing vehicle performance and longevity.

Upgrading to new weatherstripping not only stops leaks; it significantly enriches the driving experience by minimizing wind noise. However, the array of technical terminology surrounding these rubber seals can be daunting. Here's everything you need to know to select the appropriate weatherstripping for your vehicle.

Where is Weatherstripping Used on My Vehicle?

This essential component is utilized to seal areas around windows and any movable parts of the vehicle’s body, including doors, windows, the trunk, the hood, and even fenders.

What is the Function of Weatherstripping?

Weatherstripping seals prevent rainwater and splashes from entering the vehicle, averting rust and mold. Its flexible composition helps control vibrations, absorb shocks, and prevent direct metal contact. Additionally, these seals aid in noise reduction by blocking airflow through gaps around doors and windows during travel.

Why Do Automotive Rubber Seals Fail?

While wear and tear play a role, environmental exposure is a leading cause. Rubber, much like paint, can degrade when exposed to UV rays. Over time, sunlight exposure breaks down these seals. Older rubber types can deteriorate from exposure to ozone, which is prevalent from heat sources. Storing classic cars near heaters can lead to rapid seal degradation.

What Should I Look for When Buying Weatherstripping?

Investing in Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts is highly advisable in this case. While it might be easy to find aftermarket alternatives, even minor manufacturing discrepancies can drastically impact fit quality. The labor saved with precisely fitting parts makes them worth their price, regardless of initial costs.

If OEM options are unavailable, opting for seals from reputable manufacturers is recommended. Several suppliers specialize in reproduction seals for classic cars lacking factory support, offering a near-OEM quality weatherstrip. However, modifications may sometimes be necessary due to quality variance in historical manufacturing practices.

Most seals are tailored for specific vehicle parts, although some standardized designs, like classic windshield weatherstrips, are available in bulk. When acquiring universal options, like windshield moldings or beltline weatherstrips, you’ll need to determine the necessary dimensions for your project.

What Types of Seals Exist?

Different Seal Construction Types

Traditionally, seals were made of butyl or natural rubber; however, most modern OEM and aftermarket options are composed of polyurethane-based EPDM rubber. This material is favored for its durability, temperature resistance, and overall weather resilience. Neoprene is commonly utilized for hood seals due to its exceptional resistance to oils and chemicals, while nitrile rubber constructs rigid seals. These materials can be utilized individually or as components of multi-part seals. Understanding the various edge protection profiles assists in accurately matching and purchasing weatherstripping.

Dense extrusion: Composed of solid rubber, these seals can bend but resist compression, primarily utilized to secure windshields.

Sponge extrusion: EPDM sponge rubber, a foam variant, expands easily while maintaining its shape, ideal for door and trunk weatherstripping.

Clinch seal: Featuring closed cell foam surrounded by rubber fingers attached to metal channels, these are often used in door and trunk seals.

Flocking: This coating allows for smooth interaction with glass, preventing scratches, typically found around sliding windows.

Bulb trim seals: Shaped like teardrops, these seals flex under compression, ideal for ensuring a tight seal on hoods and doors.

Seal Names by Installation Location

Identifying the correct seal name is crucial when ordering. Some seals are vehicle-specific, while others may use generic strips tailored to fit. These classifications depend on vehicle design and seal location.

Primary door seal: Located around the door opening, this seal provides a flush fit with the door sill, effectively preventing water ingress.

Secondary door seal: This trim seal occupies the outer edge of the door, aiding in redirecting airflow to reduce wind noise.

Beltline moldings: Known by various names, including window felts and anti-rattle seals, beltline weatherstripping is essential for creating watertight seals and minimizing window rattles.

Roof rail: Situated between the roofline and door, this weatherstripping serves to secure the roof when the top is raised.

Header bow: Found along the convertible's windshield frame, providing a tight seal against the top.

Run channel: This weatherstrip forms a U-shape around the window, preventing entry of dust while ensuring smooth operation.

Sash channel: Affixed to the window regulator, this metal channel holds the glass in place and is enclosed with rubber for protection.

To learn more, visit I-ECO.

Lock pillar filler: Sealing the gap under the rear quarter window, prevalent in vehicles absent a B-pillar.

Division post: A specific vent window seal for classic cars ensuring a tight fit against the glass.

Vent seal: Commonly referred to as quarter window channels, observed in contemporary vehicles on rear doors.

Windshield seals: Modern setups utilize adhesive to bond glass securely to frames, while older methods relied on rubber seals.

Divider bar seal: This seal separates sections of glass in multi-piece windshields.

Hinge pillar: An A-pillar weatherstrip that seals between the door and the adjacent pillar.

Decorative edge trim: More than just aesthetics, this seal functions properly near the wheel well.

Sunroof seal: Sealing the window opening of sunroofs, which also require debris-free channels to prevent leakage.

Cowl: Prevents engine gases from entering the cabin by sealing the gap between the hood and the firewall.

Hood seal: This seal safeguards the engine and optimizes airflow around components.

Trunk seal: Circles the trunk, providing effective sealing.

Hatch seal: Aligns the edges of the hatch door or storage area in hatchback models.

Tailgate seal: Protects the truck bed from water and debris entry.

Bumper grommets: Fill spaces between fenders and bumpers, contributing to airtight fit.

Splash apron seal: Protects the engine compartment, with easy removal for maintenance.

Radiator seal: Prevents air from bypassing the radiator to avoid overheating.

Can Weatherstripping be Repaired?

When the rubber is in satisfactory condition, pushing it into position can aid in achieving a better seal through silicone adhesive or additional backing adhesive.

How to Install Weatherstripping?

The installation of most seals is straightforward enough for those with basic mechanical competencies, though hiring a professional for seal-supported windows is advisable due to delicate tolerances.

Prior to installation, ensure that the surface is clean and free from dirt or adhesive residues. Utilize specialized adhesive where needed, although many seals come with double-sided tape. While clips can typically be reused, there’s potential for breakage or loss during the process. Furthermore, older vehicles may feature plastic trims that have become brittle over time. Most press-on seals eliminate the need for additional hardware with replacement flanges.

Before proceeding, compare new weatherstripping with the existing one to confirm fit.

Remove the old weatherstripping, checking for screws or studs securing the corners.

Employ a dedicated weatherstripping remover for residual adhesives or rubber.

Conduct a test fit with the new rubber, factoring in shrinkage post-installation. Leaving additional material facilitates trimming once the adhesive cures.

Ensure clean mating surfaces for optimal adhesion before applying adhesive to both the weatherstrip and the body panel. If using self-adhesive tape, remove the backing before affixing the strip, beginning from the lowest point for effective sealing.

Reinsert any screws as necessary to keep the seal secure and always verify the seal, focusing on the ends.

About Metro Moulded Parts Classic Car Parts

For optimal restoration of classic vehicles, rely on the trusted brand, Metro Moulded Parts. Renowned for the highest industry standards, their components substantially enhance vehicle value. Commitment to authentic production down to original specifications is guaranteed. Avoid low-quality alternatives and choose genuine parts. Click here to discover more about our unrivaled quality and the tangible difference it brings. Explore our extensive catalog of over 15,000 items to see what is currently available for your vehicle.

For further information, kindly refer to Automotive Weatherstrips Manufacturer.