Scratches in door windows - the cause - the solution

[TraceZ]

I just wanted to share something with you guys.

I had noticed vertical scratches in the drivers door window of a V6 camaro I've been fixing up to sell. The scratches were a result of window bumper pads that had worn out and deteriorated. These bumper pads are held to the outside window moulding with rivets.

to repair:

1) remove outer rubber window moulding
2) drill out the rivets holding the original 3 bumpers
3) obtain some vinyl siding nailers (Lowe's, Home Depot)
4) trim off the nailer strip and cut new bumpers to size
5) drill holes in new bumpers for rivets
6) use rivet gun to attach new bumpers

Done!
The soft vinyl will not scratch the window! A heat gun makes it flexable if you need to make slight adjustments in the fit with the glass diring installation.

The original bumpers are wrapped in a felt material. I think the felt is a bad idea because it car trap dirt between the bumper and the glass causing scratches. Only one of mine actually had the material on it yet. Of the original 3, one was completely gone, one was hanging by 1 rivet and the other was intact mostly.

I've got some pictures to post to, when I have more time.

[Screaming mad]

My drivers and passenger windows are both scratched, and if you shut the doors with the windows down it makes a terrible noise! looks like this info could come in handy for me! cheers! Is there any way of polishing out those scratches?

[Joe 1320]

Post some pics..... that's good stuff!

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

My '96 car had that same problem. I didn't know it was that common! I'll have to be on the lookout in the future.

[Joe 1320]

My drivers and passenger windows are both scratched, and if you shut the doors with the windows down it makes a terrible noise! looks like this info could come in handy for me! cheers! Is there any way of polishing out those scratches?

Eastwood make a glass polishing kit that may remove them if they are shallow enough as to not catch your fingernail when you go across the scratch.

[fastTa]

Are you talking about vinyl starter strip for siding? That sounds like a good idea Tracy. Pics are worth a 1000 words!

[Rob B (shoebox)]

The GM replacement strips for the outside of the window are of a better design than the originals. They have a bumper that runs most of the length of the strip.

10284222 RH
10284223 LH

[TraceZ]

The GM replacement strips for the outside of the window are of a better design than the originals. They have a bumper that runs most of the length of the strip.

10284222 RH
10284223 LH

Yup, the newer ones are much better designed. I found that out when I replaced one on my convertible.

Here are the pictures, worth 1000 words!
Rivet this replacement part in place of the old ones, and viola!

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

When did they change to the newer design? Was it during the last years of F-body production?

[TraceZ]

When did they change to the newer design? Was it during the last years of F-body production?

Yes.
The drivers door on my Z28 is from a 2002 SS and it was the new design.

I'm not sure what year the changeover took place.

[wrd1972]

How do you remove the rubber window moulding, I think I tried to do this years ago.

[TraceZ]

How do you remove the rubber window moulding, I think I tried to do this years ago.

it is held on with metal clips. Starting at one end wiggle it around as you pull up and in on it. Work your way to the other end, 1 clip at a time until it is free. Be carefull not to bend it.

[Screaming mad]

Eastwood make a glass polishing kit that may remove them if they are shallow enough as to not catch your fingernail when you go across the scratch.

Ok, sadly they do catch nail, so guess im stuffed? Maybe remove 30 percent of scratches, which is a nice start!
Cheers