malus_rex Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 So in the never ending quest to find cheaper and cheaper methods of improving my Z, I ran across a weatherstrip which can be easily found in the junk yard in good condition which matches the inner door seal on Z coupes almost perfectly. I pulled it from a first generation (1993-2002) Kia Sportage (didn't check the exact year). It has the correct cross-section and is almost exactly the same size as the stock weatherstrip. It is also much softer and more pliable than the precision kit's version, which I expect will alleviate the difficulties getting the door to close. I was able to pull it from the Kia easily without tearing simply using a flat blade screwdriver to guide it. The only trimming needed is to cut about 6" off since the Kia doors are bigger. The new strip has a molded corner which I lined up with the 90 degree curve at the front of the door. I've yet to reinstall my doors, but once I do I'll post the results here. I don't anticipate any problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lumberjackj Posted September 21, 2009 Share Posted September 21, 2009 sounds like a good alternative! Now, I wonder if we can find a source online for these cheap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wedge Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 updates ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malus_rex Posted November 2, 2009 Author Share Posted November 2, 2009 Real life has delayed the progress on my Z, so I still haven't reinstalled the doors. Once I do I'll update the thread, but it may be a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffGarcia77 Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 Real life? Zs ARE real life. Good find there, Malus. Good research. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srbigbutt Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 I got to remember this when I go to the Junk Yard again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
az240z Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 me too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 I bought some weatherstrip from McMaster Carr, but I would love some strip that had more pliability to it. This Kia Sportage door weatherstrip sounds very promising. I'll have to pull some when I go to the JY. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palosfv3 Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 1998 - 2003 Cavalier 2 door weatherstrips work very nicely. About $45.00 ea at you local Chevy dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280Z-75 Posted November 7, 2009 Share Posted November 7, 2009 I installed acura integra weather strips (94-2001 integs) in my Z. My doors close fine, just fyi if you can't find the KIA type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerryb Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Any pics? 1998 - 2003 Cavalier 2 door weatherstrips work very nicely. About $45.00 ea at you local Chevy dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerryb Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Any pics? I installed acura integra weather strips (94-2001 integs) in my Z. My doors close fine, just fyi if you can't find the KIA type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
signal34 Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Pics would be great. I need to replace the weatherstripping on my 77 and if I can save some bucks in the process all the better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodywerx Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I stripped a 96 Maxima, and the weatherstripping is IDENTICAL for the doors. I used all 4 doors, more than enough for my 240. I also used a Saturn weatherstripping for the hatch, profile is very thick, but closes with a slam, and the hatch is still even with the body. I will post some pics later today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlienJedi Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Anyone post pics of there setup? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodywerx Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 There is not enough with only 2 doors, you need at least 1.5 maxima doors to finish 1 side. You do however have to adjust the door strikers to use this wheather stripping. I installed it yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palosfv3 Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 2003 Cavalier More pics at picasa link below signature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apex944 Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 There is not enough with only 2 doors, you need at least 1.5 maxima doors to finish 1 side. You do however have to adjust the door strikers to use this wheather stripping. I installed it yesterday. I had the same problem when I found some weatherstripping from a Kia Spectra the other day, was only about 1 foot short. I went with the Kia Spectra due to the fact that the pick n pull I go to was merged with the domestic pick n pull, and of course they did not have any Kia Sportage's... The upper corner by the quarter glass fits perfect and it all slides on like it belongs there. I only had to move the strikers out just a tiny bit to re-align the door latch to the striker, the door closes alot more firm and solid now than it ever did before. Less 'metallic noise' when closing the doors like it had with the old weatherstriping. I'll see if I can upload some pictures of it's fitment later on tonight... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffGarcia77 Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 How much are junkyards asking for these (Kia, Maxima, Integra, etc.) used door seals? I realize it will vary, depending on the yard, from giving them away to charging "book" price. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malus_rex Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 I paid $6 a piece at my local pick and pull. Prices will obviously vary with location and junk yard, but I've yet to see a weatherstrip go for more than $10 at a diy yard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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