Help, I'm in FJ40 door weatherstrip replacement hell

[77CruiserDog]

Hey Mud Buds,

I'm having some serious issues gluing down the new weather stripping for my cruiser's rear ambulance doors. I'm using the 3M Super Black Weatherstrip adhesive. I get awesome adhesion on the door but the rubber literally pulls away even after having clips holding it down for 24 hours. I'm going to explain the steps I'm taking, some ideas and I'm hoping I will get some helpful feedback.

1) I cleaned the door edge with goo gone, then I pressure washed it, let it dry and wiped it down with a clean towel sprayed with carb cleaner. Literally, as clean as it could get. Good adhesion on this side of things, no problem.

2) I cleaned the weather stripping with brake cleaner, it's spic and span, squeaky clean as well. Not that it matters but they're new from City Racer so I know others here have had good luck installing them.

3) I spread a thin layer of the 3M glue down on the door edge, then on the weatherstrip and let them get tacky usually about 45 seconds or so. Then I spread another thin layer on the door and clip the weatherstrip down with the hold downs shown in the picture below. I do about a 16" section at a time. I find this gives me enough time to put the glue down and then come back with my gloved finger and smooth it down.

Regardless of how much time I give it, when I pull (even very lightly) on the weatherstrip, it peels right off and all of the adhesive is left on the door, the weatherstrip is clean as can be. Which leads me to believe I need to clean the weatherstrip differently or (like I saw in a video on YouTube a moment ago) scuff up the rubber with a scotch brite pad.

I've done this twice now and as you know this is a tedious task. I would really like to get it right this time.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[samatulich]

Had similar issues with my installation of weather stripping. The corners would peel off. I continued to clean with brake cleaner, both door and weatherstripping, and eventually everything has taken hold. I keep an eye on the weather stripping now, and have the 3M adhesive on standby.

 

[samatulich]

You might try and let the weather stripping and door sit for 20 minutes to tack up before joining them together.

 

[77CruiserDog]

Thanks Samatulich! I watched some videos on YouTube of people demonstrating how to use the 3M adhesive and they let it sit for only like 45 seconds or maybe a minute at most. It said it was fast drying and by 20 minutes or so it's beyond tacky and in to hard and dry....

 

[TheHardWay]

Well, I see what your problem is - - TOO MANY CLAMPS. Seriously, I used the same 3M on mine, waited 10 or 20 minutes, taped it every 6 - 8 inches, and they didn't budge when I removed the tape. Several years later and no problems.
EDIT: used #8008 - let adhesive dry until tacky.

 

[iptman]

I would use mineral spirits to clean everything. Definitely give it more time to dry on both the WS and door, maybe 2 minutes but really there's a feel to it. Basically when it dries the the point when both surfaces are tacky and stringy when touched then stick them together. I was often times blowing on the 3m glue to get it to dry faster. I also agree that's too many clips. If it doesn't stick after 30 seconds it's not going to stick so 24 hours or 24 days doesnt matter. You got to start that section over if it doesn't immediately stick. I mostly used clips around the corners and bumps along the bottom. I also used blue painters tape.

 

[Splangy]

Since when are goo gone and brake cleaner good solvents for installing weatherstripping? That’s not necessarily the problem, but a good quality automotive wax and grease remover is a way better choice.

Ans why use clamps? The adhesive should be tacky enough to hold on its own.

don’t give it 20 minutes. That’s too long. Follow the instructions of the adhesive you’re using.

 

[offrd63]

I use IC2000 from bsi-inc.com. Extra strength 20 to 45 sec. glue. It worked when nothing else would for me IC-2000 | Rubber-toughened CA

 

[rob2pedals]

What about this for a left - field suggestion?

I was into cycling for many years, this double sided tape is designed to stick rubber tyres to metal (alloy) or carbon rims. Traditionally this was done with Mastic style glue, a bit like this weather stripping.

Carogna - Double sided tubular gluing tape

Carogna double sided adhesive tape is a fast, clean and safe way to glue tubulars, matching the best mastics in terms of gluing performance and heat-resistance. Very reliable adhesion, in any condition and temperature Extremely easy to use: fast and clean, even for beginners Works for road and...

www.effettomariposa.eu

Is not cheap, but I might give it a go when I'm up to that part of my FJ40 resto.

I'll post about it then.

Rob

 

[77CruiserDog]

I would use mineral spirits to clean everything. Definitely give it more time to dry on both the WS and door, maybe 2 minutes but really there's a feel to it. Basically when it dries the the point when both surfaces are tacky and stringy when touched then stick them together. I was often times blowing on the 3m glue to get it to dry faster. I also agree that's too many clips. If it doesn't stick after 30 seconds it's not going to stick so 24 hours or 24 days doesnt matter. You got to start that section over if it doesn't immediately stick. I mostly used clips around the corners and bumps along the bottom. I also used blue painters tape.

Thanks so much! So once you have spread the thin layer on both the weatherstripping and the door edge and waited the 2 minutes or so, are you going back and putting another thin layer on like I've seen in the videos?

 

[cbmontgo]

When I used the 3M adhesive, I had to slap the weatherstripping on immediately to get it to adhere. Otherwise, it set too quickly.

Anything with weatherstripping is frustrating work.

 

[Rooster47]

Looks like you've got some good feedback already. I watched @Wadesters install it recently and he seemed to know what he was doing, he might have something to add

 

[77CruiserDog]

What about this for a left - field suggestion?

I was into cycling for many years, this double sided tape is designed to stick rubber tyres to metal (alloy) or carbon rims. Traditionally this was done with Mastic style glue, a bit like this weather stripping.

Carogna - Double sided tubular gluing tape

Carogna double sided adhesive tape is a fast, clean and safe way to glue tubulars, matching the best mastics in terms of gluing performance and heat-resistance. Very reliable adhesion, in any condition and temperature Extremely easy to use: fast and clean, even for beginners Works for road and...

www.effettomariposa.eu

Is not cheap, but I might give it a go when I'm up to that part of my FJ40 resto.

I'll post about it then.

Rob

Super funny that you mention this. Last night in the heat of my frustration I ordered some 3M VHB 5952 3/8" double sided tape. This is the tape that many auto manufacturers use to put their weatherstripping on for new cars. This morning I cut a section of dirty old weatherstripping off and used the tape to attach it to an old ammo box I have laying around. I pulled on it after being attached for maybe 10 minutes, that stuff is NOT moving. I ordered 3 more rolls of it.


Here is a picture of the section I'm testing.

I didn't clean the old weatherstripping, nor the ammo can, literally stuck it on and called it good.

Here I am holding the entire ammo can off the ground filled with tools and wire by the weather stripping with vice grips.

The ammo can is just over 10lbs.

I'm happy to be the guinea pig on this method of attaching my new weatherstripping. Anything has to be better than the adhesive I was trying to use.

I'll let you know how it goes once I get it all installed.

 

[77CruiserDog]

Since when are goo gone and brake cleaner good solvents for installing weatherstripping? That’s not necessarily the problem, but a good quality automotive wax and grease remover is a way better choice.

Ans why use clamps? The adhesive should be tacky enough to hold on its own.

don’t give it 20 minutes. That’s too long. Follow the instructions of the adhesive you’re using.

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!

 

[77CruiserDog]

Well, I see what your problem is - - TOO MANY CLAMPS. Seriously, I used the same 3M on mine, waited 10 or 20 minutes, taped it every 6 - 8 inches, and they didn't budge when I removed the tape. Several years later and no problems.

Interesting, I can't see how too many clamps could be the problem but I'm glad you got it to work with tape. I tried tape and it did exactly what the clamps did.

Also, after 10 minutes the glue was dry as a bone. If I put the weather stripping on after 10 minutes and farted in another room it would have fallen off! I think I'm on to something with the double sided VHT tape.

 

[77CruiserDog]

When I used the 3M adhesive, I had to slap the weatherstripping on immediately to get it to adhere. Otherwise, it set too quickly.

Anything with weatherstripping is frustrating work.

I agree dude! Between the fumes, the mess, the time it took and the results, I give weatherstrip replacement with adhesive a big middle finger.

 

[Beckley]

Hey Mud Buds,

I'm having some serious issues gluing down the new weather stripping for my cruiser's rear ambulance doors. I'm using the 3M Super Black Weatherstrip adhesive. I get awesome adhesion on the door but the rubber literally pulls away even after having clips holding it down for 24 hours. I'm going to explain the steps I'm taking, some ideas and I'm hoping I will get some helpful feedback.

1) I cleaned the door edge with goo gone, then I pressure washed it, let it dry and wiped it down with a clean towel sprayed with carb cleaner. Literally, as clean as it could get. Good adhesion on this side of things, no problem.

2) I cleaned the weather stripping with brake cleaner, it's spic and span, squeaky clean as well. Not that it matters but they're new from City Racer so I know others here have had good luck installing them.

3) I spread a thin layer of the 3M glue down on the door edge, then on the weatherstrip and let them get tacky usually about 45 seconds or so. Then I spread another thin layer on the door and clip the weatherstrip down with the hold downs shown in the picture below. I do about a 16" section at a time. I find this gives me enough time to put the glue down and then come back with my gloved finger and smooth it down.

Regardless of how much time I give it, when I pull (even very lightly) on the weatherstrip, it peels right off and all of the adhesive is left on the door, the weatherstrip is clean as can be. Which leads me to believe I need to clean the weatherstrip differently or (like I saw in a video on YouTube a moment ago) scuff up the rubber with a scotch brite pad.

I've done this twice now and as you know this is a tedious task. I would really like to get it right this time.
View attachment 2210998


Cheers,
Adam

 

[Beckley]

I just replaced all of my weatherstripping with no problem other than......I tried aftermarket weatherstripping on the doors and they were terrible. They just didn't fit. I then ordered new oem weatherstripping from one of the Cruiser Shops, Cool Cruisers , Cruiser of Texas CCOT, or any other dealing in FJ40 parts. The adhered to my newly painted doors and the weatherstripping without any problems or clips at all. I think something is not right with your weatherstripping . Also used 3m weatherstripping glue

 

[rob2pedals]

Super funny that you mention this. Last night in the heat of my frustration I ordered some 3M VHB 5952 3/8" double sided tape. This is the tape that many auto manufacturers use to put their weatherstripping on for new cars. This morning I cut a section of dirty old weatherstripping off and used the tape to attach it to an old ammo box I have laying around. I pulled on it after being attached for maybe 10 minutes, that stuff is NOT moving. I ordered 3 more rolls of it.


Here is a picture of the section I'm testing.
View attachment 2211618
I didn't clean the old weatherstripping, nor the ammo can, literally stuck it on and called it good.

Here I am holding the entire ammo can off the ground filled with tools and wire by the weather stripping with vice grips.
View attachment 2211625



The ammo can is just over 10lbs.

View attachment 2211621

I'm happy to be the guinea pig on this method of attaching my new weatherstripping. Anything has to be better than the adhesive I was trying to use.

I'll let you know how it goes once I get it all installed.

Nice one, hope it works well.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Doesn't seem like your reactivation process is working, maybe just apply 1 coat on both surfaces and install once tacky

Also found where someone said use 08011 instead of 08008.

No idea if racers WS is EPDM but if it is, see the red arrow below

Here's the TDS for 3M Black

http://images.myautoproducts.com/images/Product_Media/TechData/3M/3M-8011_TDS.pdf

Here's the TDS for Super Black

http://images.myautoproducts.com/images/Product_Media/TechData/3M/3M-8008_TDS.pdf