How to replace window felts?
 

I'm on a mission to get rid of the rattles in my 1962 Galaxie. Some of them are coming from the quarter windows that are rattling because there's almost nothing left of the window felts.


My question is very ignorant because I haven't done this before and I hesitate to start taking things apart without a plan.


I can roll down the quarter windows and this exposes the chrome run assembly attached to the roof. I think I see screws that hold the run to the roof. The felts are, in turn, attached to the chrome run, but without removing the run, I can't tell how.


How do I replace the felts attached to the run? Is there a kit of window felts that includes these? Does anyone have recommendations for this project?


I'll probably have questions about replacing the other felts too.


I believe there might be an outer weatherstrip between the chrome run and the body. Should I plan on replacing these too?

Re: How to replace window felts?
 

The felts were originally stapled to the runs. You probably do not have a stapler that can shoot thru steel. Some people use wire to mimic that and use the original staple holes or drill new ones. I like pop rivets. They really grip, and a dot of black paint makes them almost invisible.
Felts kits are available from several vendors. Restoration Specialties, Windber, PA sells many different styles of felts and even some kits.

Re: How to replace window felts?
 

It has been my experience that the felts were glued in the channels. Lots of work but there are replacements out there, not exact duplicates but universal. The felts on a 57 Ranch Wagon were only available in long straight runs. Pulled the old runs out (removed screws holding them) marked the location of the screws with masking tape and a marker. Laid the new in place, used a sharpened awl to find the screw holes.

In other runs I have cleaned the old with a small wire brush, lacquer thinner and a final wipe down with alcohol. Then cut and put in the loop portion of self sticky Velcro. I lay the bottom in first, then both sides. Trim the top edge with a razor right at the stainless trim.

Re: How to replace window felts?
 

I have used the soft side of Velcro and 3M weatherstrip adhesive.

Re: How to replace window felts?
 

My 57 Skyliner the entire vent-a-payne assembly had to come out. I got the parts from Concourse parts. Then I got spare blind rivits from mcmaster-carr. Thn instead of ordering the tool(s) from Councourse Parts I decided to box everything up, and send the assemblies to Hills Rstoration (T-bird specialty shop). I have a lot of money in them. I would say if I had it to do over again, and HAD A HELPER I'd do them myself.

When someone tells me they have a restored car, I find myself looking at these.

Re: How to replace window felts?
 

You might consider using those ones that Snyders sells for Model-As. They glue in, and are not bad for the money. Can roll the window up with some posterboard between window and felt till the glue dries. A week of that and they will be nice and snug.

Re: How to replace window felts?
 

About 10 years ago my buddy and I parked my 55 bird and his 56 Nomad side by side in his large shop and did the windows. All along the lines of the comments above. I did buy the rivets and setting tools from a bird supplier. Easier than I thought to use them.

The hardest part was the wing windows on the Nomad, I imagine your’s won’t be much different.

I also replaced the rollers from the window channel to the mechanism. They were plastic then, and 3 have failed. You can get the early ones in metal now, if that’s in your program double check. I don’t know what ford was using by ‘62 so it might be a moot point.

It’s was well worth the effort. Between the worn parts and the loose bolts we couldn’t believe the difference on the first drive. Let us hear all the other rattles much better.

Re: How to replace window felts?
 

I used Ford Blue Bloods Trick (Bill) ... worked so well.... and very easy.
Also.I called Restoration Specialties, spoke with Matt and bought All my window felts for both 57's I own. They came perfect and with the staples. very easy job and it did the quarter windows and doors... their Products are fantastic.

https://www.restorationspecialties.com