Retro-fit fabric onto weatherstrips/gaskets?

[jedwards]

In my enthusiasm,  I ordered a full set of new weather seals for my newly acquired 250SL before realising that the windows seals I had ordered were not fabric coated.  I understand this is a common problem and often catches out the more budget minded (mean) restores.

Its not cost effective to try to send them back from here in Australia, so having nothing to loose,  I am prepared  to have a go at retro-fitting fabric onto these myself.  I was planning to try a good quality spray contact adhesive and some black cotton or polyerster or spandex.
Has anyone else tried to do this? 
Any trips on what may or may not work?

Jeff

[Garry]

Jeff,

I did a similar thing with a 280Sl that I had some years ago. I fitter the non OEM ones then found the window bound on the front seal. I tried silicon on it first without success and gave up.  I purchased the correct cloth covered ones for the front pillar in the end and scrapped the rubber only ones. the problem wwas fixed.

Having said that, if you are going to try fixing cloth to the seal, can I suggest that a very fine cotton or linen would possibly be the best option to try.   After fitting it to the rubber, I would suggest then coat it with a spray silicon and some talc powder after.  The correct oem ones I got the second time around appeared to have some form of talc/wax coat on them,  This is just a suggestion and I have not tried it. 

Garry

[66andBlue]

Jeff,
I have used 3M friction tape to repair damaged rubber seals including the seals on the A-pillar before I replaced them during the restoration.
Another tape - to prevent rattling between the window gutters - that I have used is 3M cloth tape (Google it) but it comes mostly in white or beige for medical purposes and needs to be dyed for the A-pillar rubber.

[mdsalemi]

Home Depot carries a fine, stong, black, UV resistant cloth tape called U-Glu.
Many sports outlets carry a variety of black cloth tapes used for lacrosse and hockey; these are a bit different than friction tape.
3M also makes a cloth tape in black.
There are a variety of true black cloth "Gaffer's Tapes" available too.

Do a search for "black cloth tape" and you'll find plenty.

[jedwards]

I had no thought of using a cloth tape, so that's a good idea.
I have some black cotton/polyester tape here at the office that stretches in one direction only.
I will test it next weekend and report on success or not.

Jeff
 

[Garry]

I agree that is a good idea using some of the cloth tape .  I also had not thought of that but thinking about it there are some really good strong cloth tapes around.  Would still suggest an initial coating of talc after fitting to stop any possible binding.
Will be interested in hearing how you go.  It could be a solution for a lot of people who have fitted 'rubber only' A pillar rubbers.

[jedwards]

I got hold of some 50mm wide black sports tape (Kinesiology tape) and tried it on my new A pillar seal last night. It seems to work extremely well, slides beautifully,  removal all the resistance and binding and looks just right. The adhesive they use on this type of tape might be a concern as it is designed to come off without ripping off your skin, but it is also  designed to stick to sweaty skin, so might be OK.
I will try scrubbing the seal down well with Paint Prep and see just how well I can get the adhesive to stick.  I will do some water tests next weekend when I have time.

So, in conclusion the tape idea seems a really good one, we just need to find one that stick well enough, is waterproof enough and is  colourfast.

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Jeff