Windshield weatherstrip???

[jescates]

After driving the truck in the rain last month, I noticed several beads of water on the inside of my windshield. After looking at the weatherstrip, it's apparent that the heat and all the sunshine in sunny southern california has taken it's toll. What I need to know, is who makes the best weatherstrip. I have been told by some glass companies that most aftermarket weatherstrip is worthless. I have seen a lot of really nice trucks refurbished on this site and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on this and point me in the right direction. Thanks Jay

[jku72]

Just because it leaks doesnt mean it needs replacing. if its rotted or cracked yes, but it may only need a reseal. Unfortunately, to remove it risks cracking the windshield. Not fixing leads to water running down the back side of the cowl, getting the fuse panel and floor wet, causing all kinds of alarming things to occur.
If it needs replacement, then you just have to suck it up and hope the new one sort of fits. I put a new one in my nice Longhorn, and it fit mostly good, with one corner being a little funky, but only slightly so. I bagged mine from chevyduty, but GMC paul or most of the popular places have them.

[MOTHERTRUCKERS]

Over the years 1 have noticed that in most cases its not the windshield seal gasket thats the problem it's the pinch weld not being addressed before installing the gasket. Take a good close look at the rust in the seams and spot welds around the mating surface that the seal comes in contact with, if it has separation between the pinch welds and is wider in spots due to rust or the top corner seam has old dried up seam sealer the gasket cannot conform to it and seal properly, also if the seal at the top corners inside the cab are not flat and smooth like the rest of the seal it is a sign of rust or on a new seal improperly installed. The top inside corners must be worked by the installer to lay flat against the inner cab or it will leak.

[jescates]

Thanks for the reply guys. This is the original windshield installation and the weatherstriping is actually dry rotted to no end. It's even breaking off in small pieces on the inside of the cab. A month after I bought the truck, I noticed the winshield chrome looked a little funny. After further looking, I noticed the PO had put black electrical tape across the top of the chrome and windshield strip. I probably should have looked at the truck closer, LOL. All I was seeing is solid rockers, fenders, and bed. So when I get back to the states, I am going to put a complete seal kit for the entire cab. I just want to make sure I get a good quality kit that fits everywhere.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

I got the seal for the 71 from GMC Paul and the fit is beautiful. The glass shop that installed it was very impressed with the way the seal looked, installed and fit.

Jim

[mocwon]

New windshield gaskets are a breeze to install. Takes two people, a small diameter rope and some dishwashing liquid or other lubricant that won't attack the rubber. Same process for the back glass. I bought mine from GMC Pauls.