Bi-fold Door Vertical Seals

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Well, no sample yet. I received an Update from the extruder today though. They did create a sample, but need to tweak the die to get it within tolerance. They feel the adjustments can be sorted out quickly and a sample could be shipped out in a week. I will post as soon as I hear anything...
 
Sample was shipped out yesterday. Will be receiving it in a few business days. Anyone interested in having a sample piece to look at? I should be getting around 10ft of sample. Just send me a PM with your address if you are interested...
 
I received the sample!

Here is a pic of the cross sections side by side. The new seal is slightly smaller in height. All other dimensions are pretty close.

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Here is the shop drawing/sketch:



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Here is the quality control inspection report.



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Dimension 2 and 3 are under the minimum specified dimension. However, when compressing both seals with a similar load, they compress to about the same dimension. In the following photo, a 5lb load was applied evenly to both seals (2.5 lb each). If course, I'm willing to bet a plot of load vs. compressed height will not be linear.

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Overall, I'm a little disappointed about the dimensions being a little short. I would have liked to get a notice of the deficiencies before they mailed it to me for review. However, a little shorter seal might not be a bad thing in this case. The shorter height may provide more clearance from the door when it is being opened/closed thus minimizing wear on the seal. The real test will be when the sample is fitted on an actual door. I'll have to do this over the weekend when I time to install and daylight for pictures. I'll post pics when I have it installed.

PS: Don't forget to PM me if you want me to send you a piece to look at.

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I'll say like you, too bad it came out a little short, but that might not be the end of the world...let's wait to see what they look like once you install them.
Maybe someone who has used their bifold more than I have can leave a comment...

Thanks for hanging in there! :beer::beer::beer:
 
Here are some photos of the installed seal. It seems to work pretty well. My door sections are misaligned and need some adjustment, but it seems to work pretty well. I think I'd add 1/8" (0.125") to the height to give a more positive seal. I'd just add that thickness at the bottom of the cross section (the flat part that glues to the hard top). I'm happy with the flex that the void in the cross section provides. If it didn't have it, the seal would be too stiff. The EPDM seems like it will be significantly more durable than the original foam.

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Let me know if you have any thoughts/concerns or need different pics. I'll probably request a production run at the end of this week.

Jason

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I guess a long thin shim wouldn't be the hardest thing to add.
Have you tried a hose on it, or to see it it rattles??
 
Didn't try a hose, plenty of gaps where my doors are misaligned. There is also a huge gap between the bifold and the barn doors due to the worn out old tub.... Didn't drive the cruiser (its not running), but I'm sure the seals will eliminate a couple of rattles.

I think adding a little to the height would definitely help ensure the gap between the bifold and hardtop are sealed. Just hoping the extra thickness won't make it too hard to shut the bifold.
 
I can try some out if you want me too. Looks good. Thx for hangin in there and git'r done
 
Hi Jason,

I'm in for a complete set of both horizontal and vertical seals. (If I'm correct you didn't run out of horizontals yet?) I live in europe, I don't need it right now but don't wanna miss the boat. So I think the best option is to wait when the verticals are ready so they can be shipped together. Can you take those horizontals seals apart for me? If you want an advance payment just let me know.

Thanks for all the good work!

Bye, Paul
 
Hey Paul,

I still have horizontal seals in stock. There should be shipping savings by buying both sets at the same time. No need to prepay, you can do that when the vertical seals are in.

Thanks

Jason
 
Jason I am new to the sight but I need the full set up i just got a 64 with the Bi fold door. What do you need from me. and dumb question my door is in good shape but I have no idea how the vertical is supposed to look. Second question I have been looking and looking and cannot find the window gaskets. Hell i need every gasket can you point me in a direction? Let me know on the door I will send you money and eagerly wait.

Thanks Chachie
 
Jason,

Thanks, I got it installed and it's very nice. It definitely would not work without the void. My doors are very tight against it. One side would close tight the other i had to push on from the inside to get it to close. I can't get it to close when I pull on it.

I'm not sure i'd add anything to height. You could but I think you need to open the void more so it'll have the ability to compress more even if you didn't add anything to the height. I can see on the bottom of my seal the void is completely closed due to the compression of the door on it. I would definitely open that void another 1/16 or 1/8th so the seal can compress more.

Otherwise for a first run it's pretty dang good and people would be happy to have something
 
Wes, thanks for checking the fit. If I increased the height I would definitely increase the void. I only have one latch on that green cruiser it was tough to get it to latch by pulling from the outside with just one latch, so I could see how two would be very difficult to pull.

I'll talk with the extruder and see how much we can open the could while leaving the height alone. I should be able to give a go ahead on the production run soon.
 
Chachie,

I believe Specter still caries the seals for the rear and side windows. Cruiserparts.net has the bug catcher reproduction window seals. I just got some generic seal from JC Whitney for my windshield years ago, but maybe one of the vendors I mentioned above carries it?

The vertical seal installs on the inside edge of the door opening. There is a 3/4" recess along that edge that it fits right in. The seal will need to installed with a weatherstrip adhesive. I installed the sample with some two sides tape...

Jason
 
Please PM me a price i need a set and I am also looking for the gasket for both of the windows any help would be appreciated. Thanks
 
Jason I am sorry I did not see your response before I asked the question. I still want the stripping for my rear door PM me the price thanks for all the info I will check.

Chachie
 

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