Hi,
Almost done rebuilding my 1968 XR-7 and read a few things regarding rubber seals around / under the door. Some say that if you have the Rocker Trim panel NOT to put the rubber on the bottom side of the door because it may interfere with it. Not sure if that is correct or where to purchase the proper rubber trim if it is supposed to be present.
Thanks, Rich
I’m speaking from what I’ve read for the 1969 Cougar ( and the exterior bottom-of-the-door ) rubber seal - but this should also be applicable to the 1967 through 1970 Cougars ( the part number is C7WY-6520272-A ) I believe the Jim Osborne reprinted Ford Body Assembly manual has a note that the rubber seals were not installed when cars were ordered with the Rocker Panel mouldings. No reason was given, but I would strongly suspect that the ‘sweep’ action of the seal as is comes across the sill would very quickly wear away the black painted ‘stripe’ on the Aluminium moulding. The mouldings themselves wouldn’t change the seal itself from performing it’s intended function - nothing in the door gap or the way the moulding is fastened against the Rocker Panel itself would impede its movement and fit. An alternate ‘theory’ from the WCCC web-site on this part : We are told that Ford was worried the seal would catch on the rocker moulding area so left them off on those cars equipped with the mouldings. That might be the case when the door is opened, and the leading edge of the lip of the seal ‘sweeps’ over the point where the moulding and the rocker panel abut ?
On my 1969, II installed the rubber seals when I did the upper weatherstrip. The Kit with screws came with the car (along with the window weatherstrip ,whole other story), and the holes were in the bottom of the door. I believe the originals may have rotted off. then again, maybe Ford put them there on all the doors. They don’t interfere with anything I’ve found.
I consider them to be optional. I do not see where they accomplish anything with or without rocker trim. Until recently the rubber was way to soft and the repros would sag.
+1 - I’ve never seen a car that originally had them - they must be very rare? There used to be a lot of them available NOS - I never bought any.
Rare in first Gen common in 69-70