GT40s.com - View Single Post

Chuck · 04-28-08, 08:58 PM

Weather Stripping

As has been noted by several on this web site, when fitting the doors it is critical that the weather stripping be in place. One can achieve a ‘perfect’ alignment of the doors without the seal – then when the weather stripping is added they are badly skewed out of position. It is more of a challenge adjusting the doors with the weather stripping in place, but it is the only way to do it.

The RCR directions recommend weather stripping from J. C. Whitney, part # ZX132560. (On the left side in the photo.) This stripping sets about ¾” above the lip, about even with the top of the spider. It is foam rubber material. One has to tilt the doors on the hinges inward with spacers on the lower bolts so the tops of the doors will compress the stripping enough to align properly. It took a pretty good push to get the doors to close. It did not seem like a very elegant approach, although as tight as it is I suspect it provides a good seal.

At Dean Lampe’s suggestion, we experimented with weather stripping from McMaster-Carr, part number 1120A421, which has a 7/16” bulb. (On the right side in the photo.) We found it to be a bit too loose. Fortunately they make a slightly larger type. The weather stripping which was finally settled upon came from McMaster-Carr, part number 1120A431. It has a 5/8” round bulb. It provides a snug fit and minimum distortion of the door top. (In the middle in the photo.) www.mcmaster.com

Years ago when I was rolling out pizzas to get through school, the boss taught us to check the refrigerator door alignment by taking a one dollar bill and sliding it along the door seal. If it moved, the door needed to be adjusted. If it stayed in place, the seal was good. We performed the same test on the GT, but due to inflation a one dollar bill will no longer work. Once must use a $100 bill. We had a good seal around the perimeter of the door using this test technique. Ben Franklin did not want to move unless he was pulled smartly.

The same weather stripping can also be used around the rear clip.

One needs seven feet for each door and nine feet for the rear clip. Order twenty five feet and you should have plenty.

If anyone comes up with a better door seal, let us know.

04-28-08, 08:58 PM	#227 (permalink)
Chuck CESLAW 3 Tenths Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 365 Rep Power: 5	Re: Chuck and Ryan's RCR Build Weather Stripping As has been noted by several on this web site, when fitting the doors it is critical that the weather stripping be in place. One can achieve a ‘perfect’ alignment of the doors without the seal – then when the weather stripping is added they are badly skewed out of position. It is more of a challenge adjusting the doors with the weather stripping in place, but it is the only way to do it. The RCR directions recommend weather stripping from J. C. Whitney, part # ZX132560. (On the left side in the photo.) This stripping sets about ¾” above the lip, about even with the top of the spider. It is foam rubber material. One has to tilt the doors on the hinges inward with spacers on the lower bolts so the tops of the doors will compress the stripping enough to align properly. It took a pretty good push to get the doors to close. It did not seem like a very elegant approach, although as tight as it is I suspect it provides a good seal. At Dean Lampe’s suggestion, we experimented with weather stripping from McMaster-Carr, part number 1120A421, which has a 7/16” bulb. (On the right side in the photo.) We found it to be a bit too loose. Fortunately they make a slightly larger type. The weather stripping which was finally settled upon came from McMaster-Carr, part number 1120A431. It has a 5/8” round bulb. It provides a snug fit and minimum distortion of the door top. (In the middle in the photo.) www.mcmaster.com Years ago when I was rolling out pizzas to get through school, the boss taught us to check the refrigerator door alignment by taking a one dollar bill and sliding it along the door seal. If it moved, the door needed to be adjusted. If it stayed in place, the seal was good. We performed the same test on the GT, but due to inflation a one dollar bill will no longer work. Once must use a $100 bill. We had a good seal around the perimeter of the door using this test technique. Ben Franklin did not want to move unless he was pulled smartly. The same weather stripping can also be used around the rear clip. One needs seven feet for each door and nine feet for the rear clip. Order twenty five feet and you should have plenty. If anyone comes up with a better door seal, let us know. Attached Thumbnails