Relacement Rubber Door Seals

larkslaw · #1 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 03:43 PM

I am soon to be the proud owner of a 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider (Graduate,
Summa Cum Laude). The car has spent its entire life in Atlanta, GA --
most of it in a garage since there are only 32K original miles on it.

Only thing I can find "wrong" with it are the bulky rubber seals that
go around the door openings. The one on the driver side has several
tears in it, probably caused by the driver's getting in and out.

Any suggestions where to purchase replacement items such as this?

Any/all help appreciated!

Larkslaw

**ghnl** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 04:12 PM

Welcome to the Alfa BB. Post some photos when you get your Spider. We likes photos.

Scroll up to the "Anything About Alfa Romeo's" section and you'll see a "suppliers" thread. It is a list of many A-R parts suppliers. You should be able to get new door seals from any of them.

**RandallM** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 04:17 PM

Hi and welcome,

I ordered my door seal from Centerlinealfa.com. It comes in a roll. I have'nt put it on yet so I can't help you there.

Best of luck.

larkslaw · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 05:20 PM

Eric, Randall
Thanks for the quick and experienced response. This is what I was hoping to find
throug ALFABB.COM.

I've been restoring and running SAAB classics for over 15 years. I got a great deal
of support and encouragement through SAABNET and a local salvage yard "dealer"
specializing in English and Swedish brands.

I am less concerned about jumping into an Alfa Romeo if I can take experienced
folk with me through the experience -- as a humble but very interested apprentice.

Thanks again.

Larkslaw

jetta06hbg · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 07:58 PM

I have been looking as well...

Würth Super Weatherstrip Adhesive

plus

Alfa Romeo and Fiat Door/Window Molding and Clips

or

Alfa Romeo and Fiat Door/Window Molding and Clips

Joe

**eight-o-one** · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larkslaw

I am soon to be the proud owner of a 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider (Graduate,
Summa Cum Laude). The car has spent its entire life in Atlanta, GA --
most of it in a garage since there are only 32K original miles on it.

Only thing I can find "wrong" with it are the bulky rubber seals that
go around the door openings. The one on the driver side has several
tears in it, probably caused by the driver's getting in and out.

Any suggestions where to purchase replacement items such as this?

Any/all help appreciated!

Larkslaw

alfalfalfa · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 11:21 PM

I just finished mine and its a piece of cake. I ordered the new weather stipping from centerline. There are a couple of spots that need attention.

1. Depending on the condition of the car the screws that hold the stainless hold down strip on the inside of the car could be rusted. After stripping one of the screws I bought an good impact screw driver and didn't have any more problems.

2. During he installation the lower front corner takes some patience to get it seated properly.

3. I left both of the ends long and then cut each to fit to the trim pieces that covered the ends. Cut the metal with a large side cutters and then trim the rest of the rubber with sissors.

4. I'm not sure about your car but my trim pieces only covered the clamping section of the ends. This left the hollow rubber part exposed with the hole in each end of the tube open to the sky. As the Alfa plugs are NLA, I went down to OSH and picked up four of their 1/2" plugs. They fit but are hard plastic. They do the job but are not as nice as a soft rubber plug would be.

Anyway, its an easy job and looks great when done. Hope this helps.

larkslaw · #8 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 03:04 AM

Alfalfalfa:

Love getting directions based on experience.
Thanks for taking the time to coach me!

As for the plugs...if they don't work out...
you could consider "forming" the plug effect
in place with silicone rubber. It will be shiny,
once it cures, but should adhere to the inner
wall of the tubing without trouble.

Just a quick thought based on a former career
experience with Dow Corning -- in marketing and
sales, so be careful!

Thanks again, Larkslaw

garwood1 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 05:08 AM

The plugs look OK, but I have found that unless you apply some weatherstrip adhesive to them before installation, that when doors are shut, they can shoot out like a pop-gun !
Make sure the door weatherstrip is firmly pushed into the two corners, it likes to ride up - you trim it, then find the weatherstrip fouls the door panel, and won't allow the door to shut properly ! Otherwise, an easy-peasy job...