If you’re like us, DIY installation is probably your go-to method before referring to the experts when it comes to your vehicle’s weatherstripping replacement. When you follow a few short steps, you can ensure the process is quick, easy and productive.

1. Replacing Door Weatherstripping

There are three different types of door weatherstrip applications:

• Glue-on: This kind uses an adhesive that attaches the strip to the entire door frame, the door opening on the cab or the upper door frame.
• Press-on: Press-on strips are made of a stiff material that presses over the flange. The channels hold the strip to the vehicle without clips or adhesives.
• Clip-on: These are made of rubber and attach directly to the door. Always make sure you line up the weatherstripping before final placement and press the clips firmly into the door openings. You can even apply a small amount of adhesive between the clips for extra support.

2. Replacing Window Weatherstripping

Auto window channels come in two types and depend on the year, make and model of your truck or car.
One-piece designs have a single channel that reaches from the rear of the glass and across the top and ascends down the front portion. A two-piece model has an upper channel that extends from the back side of the glass and along the top, with a division post that is vertical to the door glass.

Follow these quick steps for an easy installation:

1. Remove the door panel and old weatherstripping.
2. Lubricate the new rubber weatherstripping with a soapy water mix.
3. If a vent window is present, disconnect it instead of totally removing it if possible.
4. Line up the edges of the new strip with the corners of the door glass.
5. Slide the piece inside the door and on the top part, making sure it’s in the channel.

3. Replacing Beltline Weatherstripping

Every door has both an interior and exterior beltline weatherstrip. The outer one usually mounts using clips and rivets (in some older vehicles this strip pushes into a channel) and uses pressure against the window to stay in place. The inner weatherstrip mounts via clips or staples.

Here are some quick application tips:

1. Remove the door panel, roll the windows down, and remove the old beltline.
2. Mount the outer and inner beltline strips by pressing the clips firmly into the slots.

4. Replacing Vent Window Seal Weatherstripping

Vent seals are the trickiest installations and have a single-piece or two-piece design. One-piece vent window seals have a triangle shape and reach all the way around the vent glass. The two-piece variant has an “L” shape along with an unconnected post seal that installs vertically.

Here are a few quick steps to take for application:

1. Release the door glass and remove the vent frame.
2. Take apart the vent frame system.
3. Take out the glass and the worn weatherstripping.
4. Lubricate the new strip with a soapy mixture and slide it into the channel.
5. If you are working with a single-piece design, firmly press the seal into the division post.
6. If you are installing a two-piece seal, you will have to attach the division post seal before reassembly.
7. Install the vent frame back into the door frame.