Help, I'm in FJ40 door weatherstrip replacement hell

[4x4veteran]

After cleaning with soap and water,recommend Dawn dish washing soap, clean with rubbing alcohol.
Alcohol cuts silicone contaminates that make paint and glues not stick.

 

[73FJ40]

@Racer65

could you provide the material your weatherstrip is made from?

It could avoid some frustrations going forward.

Thanks.

 

[Splangy]

Thanks Splangy, The Goo Gone was for removing the old adhesive and brake cleaner is an amazing solvent which can be used to remove oils and so forth but is safe for rubber and plastic, unlike carb cleaner. I'm sure Automotive wax and grease remover works well too.

If I didn't use the clamps the weatherstripping pulled away immediately and would not have been in contact with the door as it was drying. I've seen most people use either tape or clamps when they install weatherstripping on their rigs. I tried both tape and clamps, both sucked big time.

I agree, 20 minutes is way too long, this stuff was COMPLETELY dry after just 10 minutes.

Honestly the instructions pretty much suck on the packaging. Here's what they say to do, which is entirely different from what the 3M rep says to do on the video.

"Apply a thin uniform coat of adhesive on each surface. Allow adhesive to dry until tacky but will not transfer to your knuckle when touched. Assemble materials with sufficient pressure to ensure complete contact. Full cure may take as long as 24 hours at 70°F. "

I obtained full cure like a mofo on the door but the rubber pulled away if I looked at it funny. I even brought one of my doors inside the house. 65 degrees for 48 hours.... Nope, that weatherstrip pulled away like it was designed to infuriate me. HA!

I’ve never seen a proper weatherstripping adhesive pull away like that. You’re either using the wrong adhesive or I suspect the brake cleaner is absorbing into the weatherstripping or leaving a residue that is impeding adhesion. Just because brake cleaner cuts grease well doesn’t mean it should be used to prep a porous surface for an adhesive.

 

[brian]

Yeah i love city racer stuff...but...I couldn't get my drivers side weather strip to say put.
When I removed it all, there was almost no adhesion to the door or adhesive.

 

[77CruiserDog]

I’ve never seen a proper weatherstripping adhesive pull away like that. You’re either using the wrong adhesive or I suspect the brake cleaner is absorbing into the weatherstripping or leaving a residue that is impeding adhesion. Just because brake cleaner cuts grease well doesn’t mean it should be used to prep a porous surface for an adhesive.

Thanks Splangy!

The adhesive I was using was the same 3M super black weather strip adhesive you see in the picture that everyone else is using.... so I believe it's the correct stuff but that's a really good point that the brake cleaner could be causing an issue! I do think I have a solution with the double sided tape though. Stay tuned, I'll be trying at least one door with the double sided tape today.

 

[77CruiserDog]

Yeah i love city racer stuff...but...I couldn't get my drivers side weather strip to say put.
When I removed it all, there was almost no adhesion to the door or adhesive.

Very interesting Brian, what did you use to clean the weatherstripping?

 

[Beckley]

the weatherstripping glue I used was that worked perfectly was #8011. 3M

 

[77CruiserDog]

the weatherstripping glue I used was that worked perfectly was #8011. 3M

interesting and the one I used is slightly different. 3M black super weatherstrip and gasket adhesive part number 8008. I find it funny that they call it super because there’s absolutely nothing about it that is super! More like super sucky!!

 

[Beckley]

I really think that's your problem. Also, clamps not needed. It will set up quickly , waited a couple hours and then I closed my doors for it to dry overnight. Worked perfectly.. Good luck and get rid of that other junk!

 

[Racer65]

@Racer65

could you provide the material your weatherstrip is made from?

It could avoid some frustrations going forward.

Thanks.

Each of my weatherstripping products contains a link to an installation tips page. The second bullet point states:

"Prep new weatherstrip that requires adhesive. Clean with denatured alcohol to remove mold release agent from the factory. See reference article. "

 

[emac]

Each of my weatherstripping products contains a link to an installation tips page. The second bullet point states:

"Prep new weatherstrip that requires adhesive. Clean with denatured alcohol to remove mold release agent from the factory. See reference article. "

That is what I used. 3M black adhesive. I worked in short section of about 10 inches. Adhesive on both sides, a little heat from a heat gun, push them together, wait a minute or two and move on to the next section.

 

[Wadesters]

I always use: 3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive, 08008
I clean the new weather stripping and then lightly use a scotch brite pad if new paint on the door.

Works every time for me....

 

[brian]

Very interesting Brian, what did you use to clean the weatherstripping?

Denatured alcohol....just as the instructions indicate.
I had zero issues on the passenger side when I did it 10-12 months prior.

 

[77CruiserDog]

Each of my weatherstripping products contains a link to an installation tips page. The second bullet point states:

"Prep new weatherstrip that requires adhesive. Clean with denatured alcohol to remove mold release agent from the factory. See reference article. "

Well shoot, I can't believe I didn't see that on your site. Thank so much for chiming in!! looks like I need to get some denatured alcohol.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Well shoot, I can't believe I didn't see that on your site. Thank so much for chiming in!! looks like I need to get some denatured alcohol.

Still would be nice to know if CityRacer weatherstrip is EPDM or not. Please keep us posted if you try the super black and prep with denatured.

 

[77CruiserDog]

Will do thebigredrocker! I think I'll give the 3M tape a try first. Either way I'm headed to pick up some denatured alcohol right now.

 

[Racer65]

Still would be nice to know if CityRacer weatherstrip is EPDM or not. Please keep us posted if you try the super black and prep with denatured.

Yes. EPDM is the industry standard these days.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Thanks Racer65. Would be interesting to hear from 3M why they don't recommend 08008 "Super Black" for EPDM.

 

[73FJ40]

@thebigredrocker @77CruiserDog

Details from the 3M website:

3M™ Black Weatherstrip Adhesive | 3M United States

www.3m.com

Overview
Details

Resources
Specifications
Customer Reviews
Product Support

• 
  

View Images

• Formulated specifically for use with ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber (EPDM)
• Forms flexible, waterproof bond
• Easy to brush and spread right from the tube, saving time
• Resists oil, grease and solvents for permanent repairs

View all details

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Details

A Durable Bond Where it Matters Most
Preferred by auto professionals for decades, our 3M™ Black Weatherstrip Adhesive was developed by 3M to bond with weatherstripping and other rubber parts around doors, trunks, T-tops and sun roofs . This adhesive is designed specifically to bond ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber (EPDM), the material most commonly used in automotive weatherstripping. It also bonds permanently to a large variety of surfaces including rubber, fabrics, gaskets, seals and metal. The weatherstripping adhesive is very easy to use. Simply squeeze it right from the tube, easily brush and spread as needed on each surface, and let it cure for up to 24 hours. The adhesive remains flexible, yet it resists nearly any environmental condition you’re likely to encounter in your vehicle.
3M™ Black Weatherstrip Adhesive can also be used for holding vinyl headliners and side panels in place. It applies most effectively when used with 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner 08984 or 3M™ Gasket Prep and Parts Cleaner 08901.

The Science of Better Vehicle Care from 3M
3M has been developing new ways that the science behind adhesive technology can apply to the lives of automotive enthusiasts like you. Our 3M™ Black Weatherstrip Adhesive is a great example – decades of knowledge in a product that specifically delivers better results, and helps you get the most enjoyment and value from the vehicles you own.

• Formulated specifically for use with ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber (EPDM)
• Forms flexible, waterproof bond
• Easy to brush and spread right from the tube, saving time
• Resists oil, grease and solvents for permanent repairs
• Bonds to a range of surfaces including vinyl, gaskets, metal, fabrics and rubber

 

[77CruiserDog]

Yep, I think I found the reason why it wouldn't stick. I used the 8008 which apparently doesn't stick to EPDM weatherstripping. I found a few other car restoring forums where they mention 8011 worked, but 8008 did exactly what it did for me.... pulled right away.

I did however complete the installation with the 3M double sided tape in less than 20 minutes. It was super easy, it was not messy and didn't stink. I'm going to leave the doors closed for a few days because the info on the website says it cures completely in 72 hours.

Fingers are crossed. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for all of the info!