(BODY) Has anyone replaced the glass run channels?
 

I just got the Mound back with the new paint job on wednesday, finally, after 11 weeks in the body shop. The paint looks great. I replaced the window seals, inner felt and rubber outer, as well as the hatch seal and sunroof seal. I also bought new felt glass run channels for the windows. I know mine are worn out and tired, and in some places folded over such that the window won't close fully.

I've never replaced them before, though, and I'm just wondering if it's an easy job. I'm only worried about the track within the door, as some of the access looks tight if not nonexistent.

Right on.

Been there, done that this spring - at least the drivers side. I have gsl-se, so there are power windows to contend with. I THINK it would be easier if you have manual windows.

Here's what you have to do.

Make sure you're already having a good day. This isn't hard, but its finicky.

Remove inner door panel - take it right out of the way.

Remove each end of the paper or plastic covering the inner door.

Drop the window about 3/4 of the way.

Starting along the top edge, pull out the old seal. Just reach up there and pull. Mine stayed in one peice, but if its really bad, it may not. Just hope it does.

CAREFULLY pull up and pull it out of one side of the window track. Be carefull as the window will be free to move front to back as soon as the channel strip pulls past the edge of the window.

Now even more carefully pull out the other end. The window will be REALLY free front to back - don't let it come out of its track. If it does, get it back in there or you can't get the new seal in.

Starting at one end, put the new seal into the track and slowly feed it down until you get to the edge of the window (way down inside the door).

Since the new one will be bigger, its a tight fit to get it by the edge of the window as the window slides quite tightly in the channel strip.

Work it down until you have one of the top corners EXACTLY where it belongs. It easy to tell as the channel strip has sharp curves. Leave just a little slack as you will have to jam the channel strip UP into the top really tight. If you don't get it in the top tight, the curve at the other end of the window will come out in the wrong place.

Now go to the other end and feed it down the track. Follow the same basic process, but be prepared for it to be a LOT tighter fit since the opposite end isn't loose anymore.

I was going to try spraying the track with wd40, but didn't want to take the chance of having that crap going up and down the glass forever and leaving junk on the window.

Finally make sure that you have it in the top of the track properly. There are a few adhesive peel and stick spots, but mine was so tight, I didn't even bother attaching them.

Sorry to write a book, but as I said it isn't hard, just finicky. Note you may have to roll the window up and down a little as you're tyring to get by the window with the new seal. Just don't let the other end come out of its track as its a pain to get back in.

I would like to change all the seals you did, but damn they're expensive when you add it up!

Good luck - you don't really need it, just a little patience!

Sweet write up! Looks like I need to set aside a good afternoon so I can be patient with it...maybe next weekend then...right on!

i just pulled mine and readjusted them last night. took about half an hour. but mine are still in good shape, just got out of line. like he said, not hard, just finicky. :D