OER weatherstrip vs Metro

[chief poncho]

I hope I don't step on any toes here, but I do not recommend the OER trunk weatherstripping.  It may be a durable and well made product, but it is entirely too stiff and too large to work properly on the trunk.

After spending hours just trying to test fit the OER stuff into the trunk channel(this is on a completely clean and newly painted channel) I came to the conclusion there was no way it was going to fit.  Along with that I tried closing the trunk on top of it with it only partially in, and the trunk would not close unless I raised the latch way up out of alignment.  Slamming the trunk against it was like hitting solid rubber.

I will say it looks like quality material, is very dense and probably would hold up well in the right application.  But a firebird trunk doesn't appear to be that application.

So in order to get something that works, after a lot of research I went with Metro Moulded Parts.  This stuff is made in the USA and appears to be a quality product.  It's not only smaller physically, but also less dense than the OER stuff.  Additionally, it is hollowed out to allow it to compress into the trunk channel.

Here are a good picture showing the differences.  Metro Moulded is on top and has the holes in it.  You can see how much bigger the OER stuff is, especially the base area that goes into the channel.

[FormTA]

Good info. I hope one of the two weatherstrips I have is a Metro.

[Jack]

I have Metro and I'd I remember correctly they went in with ease, also they need to compress as you close the lid and therefore can't be stiff.

[stros]

+1 on Metro.  All of the other brands I tried (OER, soffseal) were way too hard or didn't fit right.  Metro, while it's not 100% perfect - seems to be your best bet.

[FormTA]

Well, all this talk made me dig through the attic of my shop for the trunk weatherstrip.  I  have one OER, which is really hard like mentioned above and a soft seal which is soft and spongy.  Not sure if the design will stay in the channel but her it is.






Sorry,  I was in between coats of primer when went looking for them.

**edit** I fixed the missing picture.

[stros]

The Soffseal is definitely better than the OER stuff.  You should be ok with it.

[chief poncho]

Changed the title to just weatherstrip as I started on the doors.  Well again, the Metro stuff is just superior.

So I started on the door weatherstrip install last night.  It'll be awhile before I do the roof rail weather strip since I need to reinstall the channels and what not. 

I'll post some pics of the differences between Metro and OER, but here are my observations.

1.  The quality of the OER strip that goes around the door as well as the tabs looks pretty good.  It's a bit harder than the Metro brand, but overall looks similar to the quality of the trunk weatherstripping.  Since I didn't install it, I can't comment on whether or not its too stiff to compress.

2.  The big difference is in the ends that go on the top front and back edges of the door.  The metro brand looks to be a one piece molded part with a nice rubber finish to the entire piece.  The OER brand looks like the end pieces were molded separately and then bonded to the strip that goes on the lower part of the door.  It's chalky and spongy with a less dense structure.

3.  Both OER and Metro lack the plastic skeletal structure that was part of the OEM ends.  But the metro seemed to attach well with the provided hardware and a little adhesive. 

After the Metro stripping was attached the door closed solid, but easy enough.  I've heard the OER is very stiff, but since I didn't install it, I guess I won't know.  Debating whether to hold onto the OER as a backup in the future or see if I can return it for a refund.

[FormTA]

Thanks again. I will dig through my parts pile as again I think I have 2-3 sets of door seals up there. I will post my progress and review as well so hopefully others can find this thread and benefit.

[highway star]

"But the metro seemed to attach well with the provided hardware and a little adhesive"

Chief,  Where did you put adhesive?? I have Metro door seals but haven't installed yet. Thanks for the info.

[FormTA]

Well, I could only find one set of seals and again they are the soft seal brand. They are nice and soft. One end does have a bonded end piece.  I will update once I get them on the car. These are the door side weatherstrip.

[chief poncho]

"But the metro seemed to attach well with the provided hardware and a little adhesive"

Chief,  Where did you put adhesive?? I have Metro door seals but haven't installed yet. Thanks for the info.

I only used adhesive on the top parts where the molded pieces attach to the door.  You'll see when you install them where it makes sense.  I think they have a diagram with the recommended places for adhesive.

[TammyTA]

Don't remember seeing a diagram, but put a few dots of vlue on the bottom of the door.  A few of the little plastic wouldn't stayin place, so to play it safe, I glued it a bit.

[79T/Aman]

I just installed the trunk seal today I've got to say the Metro is far superior to the one (don't remember the brand) that I put on 20 years ago, the one I used then was harder and did not allow the trunk to close well.
The one from Metro fit as well as I could hope.

One to the T-top seals next, 20 years ago I was able to get a set over the counter at the Pontiac dealer, it was not that easy to install, the Metro I have now seems like it will fit better and with less of a fight.

[Lewis]

Good luck with the O.E.R t-top seals. Mine did not fit well (way too Fat). I pulled and stretched, glued and clamped short section's several hours at a time for several days.  Tops set too high. If wasn't soo expensive I would get a different brand. Will never recommend O.E.R !

[squirrel]

Glad I saw this post as I just got my 78 Marty TA back from paint today and needed the trunk seal and door seals.  Ordered the hallow trunk one and the door seals both Metro brand. 

Thanks original poster. 

[75Fire]

GM weatherstrip I bought back in '96

[FormTA]

Looks nothing like any of the repops... Why don't the manufacturers  "Copy" the original....

[75Fire]

Not sure why they can't just copy the original.....even if they have to change it just a little.

[chief poncho]

Interesting how the original GM stuff is made.  Looks like a harder hollow rubber core with a foam outer covering.  Probably a lot more costly to make than the aftermarket one piece stuff.  But why not do a hybrid like the Metro but without hollowing out the top part of the weather strip.

[Wallington]

Don't confuse Soft Seal with Soffseal, two different animals and many posts confuse the 2.

[75Fire]

Interesting how the original GM stuff is made.  Looks like a harder hollow rubber core with a foam outer covering.  Probably a lot more costly to make than the aftermarket one piece stuff.  But why not do a hybrid like the Metro but without hollowing out the top part of the weather strip.

That triangle is hard plastic.

[FormTA]

Don't confuse Soft Seal with Soffseal, two different animals and many posts confuse the 2.

Good point. My bad, mine are the Soff Seal brand.

[Wallington]

Good point. My bad, mine are the Soff Seal brand.
[/quote]

All good, wasn't referring to you in particular or even noticed. But have seen it in past posts with guys disagreeing without realising and guys leaving with information opposite to what they were meant to be told.