Have any of you used Metro brand (in the purple packaging) roof rail seals on a '74 Duster or Dart Sport? If so, I really need your honest opinion about how well they fit and seal off your windows. About three years ago, we tried to install new seals on Aaron's '74 Dart Sport. They were obviously molded differently than the OEM seals, and we never could get them to fit correctly and seal off properly. We ended up setting them aside (lost now in the clutter) and re-used the old original seals.

I recently bought another set of new roof rail seals from Metro, and it's like deja vu all over again. Aaron and I fought these for about an hour and gave up, frustrated. Because of the way they are molded, the 90* corner at the top of the door window/quarter window interface is too bulky. It's impossible to get all the mass of rubber pressed tightly into the corner. It bulges out so much in the corner that the glass is lifted away from the seal for much of its length along the roof rail, allowing wind and water to get in.

Along the vertical piece that presses into the stainless quarter window frame, the original seal was molded in a single smooth surface (maybe an extrusion). However, the new seal has a separate molded "flap" or "groove". I don't believe the intent is for the glass to slide under the flap, because it would eventually get frayed and torn from wear as the door is opened and close with the window rolled up.

The long and the short of it is I want to visit with Metro's new product manager and explain the problem to him. I don't believe it is a window adjustment issue, I just don't think anyone has bothered to let them know there is a problem. Maybe I'm just all wet. That's why I need to hear from any of you who can say, without reservation, that their seals worked correctly in your application.

On the other hand, if you used roof rail seals that are manufactured by a company other than Metro, and you are completely satisfied with the way they fit, I would like to hear that as well.

Here is what I am talking about:







Thanks for any input,
Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

I have almost the same problem and I have the metro kit as well. I had better luck with getting the corners into the rail (although it did buldge out a tiny bit) but the window didn't even touch the weather stripping along the top roof rail. Even with it like that, I couldn't roll the window up with the door closed because it just catches the molding that goes down the quarter window and starts folding it backward. If you jack the door up and in to seal off the top, it just makes it even worse when trying to roll the window up. Actually it's impossible. If you move the door out to let the window roll up without catching, then you can basically stick your finger through the gap at the top of the window. It's frustrating and I just put my old weather stripping back in.

Try Soff Seal or Steele; I bought new door rubber for my truck from Steele and they fit great; still gotta SLAM the doors to make em close all the way though.

ESP47, thanks for pointing that out about difficulty rolling up the window. I didn't mention that, but it is another problem I am having as well. The glass grips the rubber rather than slide across it.

Don, I don't have an issue with the door seals, they fit fine. It's just the roof rails I'm having trouble with.

Thanks for the comments,
Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Yeah Jerry I kinda caught that but just trying to point you to someone else that makes reproduction rubber for our vehicles; you'll have to see what they have; when I get that far I'm gonna be lookin to buy all new rubber for the Volare as well.
I dunno; maybe they are all made by the same co and reboxed; meaning you'll have trouble with these other company's products as well :shruggy:

I'm wondering if it may just be the way were installing it. I don't know if you had to put your old seal back on like I did, but when I put the old seal on, I could no longer roll the window up without it gripping the rubber and trying to get under it instead of just sliding up against it. Since it's my DD I just adjusted the door so it's pressed further in against the cab and I only roll the window up and down with the door open. I'll have to keep it like that until the rainy season ends and I can really get to work on it without having to worry about having it seal perfectly the next day. If you find out how to fix this problem then please let me know. I have an entire box of weather stripping here that I'm pretty ticked off about.

Don, I do appreciate your input. Unfortunately, I do think there are a limited number of companies that actually manufacture these aftermarket seals, so we're at their mercy. It would be nice if I get a reply from Metro's research and development guy so I can explain the issue more thoroughly. Here's hoping....

ESP47 (don't know your name), I didn't have any problems with the old seals fitting or the glass raising properly. They're just old, mashed down, and not as resilient. I don't know if you are aware of the various adjustments you can do to your window glass. There are at least four separate adjustments that I can think of for you to get your windows to roll up, tilt, lean, and stop. Have you tried that, rather than slamming the door tighter?

Thanks again,
Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

I had the same fit problems with the roof rail seals for my '79 Aspen. they were Metro too. Most of the repro parts I've bought have issues when compared to factory parts. -pedal pads, side marker lights......

_________________
Blair Furlotte
1979 Dodge Aspen 225 "Super Six" 3-speed
Original owner

Just wanted you to know that I may be making some headway with Metro. I have been discussing the problem with a gentleman there who has been involved with their product development for over twenty years. I sent him a handful of close-up photos and we have talked a few times over the phone.

Mike is very interested in determining what problems may exist with their products and is looking into it over the next few days. I now believe he completely understands the issues we are dealing with on the roof rail seals. He is trying to determine if there is a design problem or a manufacturing problem.

I really do feel like he is sincere in trying to make a better product. Metro has been in business over twenty-five years, and he plans to be around a few more, serving the needs of their loyal customers (not to mention all the potential buyers, once all of us get the word out). Word of mouth is a powerful tool in the world of aftermarket retail.

I will keep you posted on my progress,
Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Wow, speak of the devil.... I just got this e-mail from Metro:
***************
Jerry,
Checked on a few things here, we are waiting for some raw materials to come in before I can make you a protype up for you to try. I assume it will be 2-3 weeks before we get our material in, try to hang in there, we are still going to take care of you.

Thanks,
Mike Staricha
Metro Moulded Parts

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Awesome, keep us updated because I'll have to give them a call as well since I have the same problem.

OK, guys, we're one step closer. I just talked to Mike at Metro on Tuesday and he has two separate prototype roof rail sets to send to me for a fit check. I was beginning to think he forgot about me, but it does seem as though he is very sincere about fixing this problem with their product. It probably didn't hurt my case to casually mention that there are MANY of you A-body folks out there waiting to hear the results of our discussions.

As soon as the seals get here I will give them a try and see how well they work. I'll be sure to keep all of you posted on the progress.

Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Thats great news Jerry.
Post pics if you can and let us see the new ones.
Frank

_________________
Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

UPS dropped off a package with two sets of different prototype roof rail seals from Metro. As soon as I get a chance, I'll give them a try and see if they fit any better than the others we have had problems with.

I'll keep you posted,
Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.