A Simple Guide To Weatherstripping Terms

In the world of weatherstripping, many different terms may be unfamiliar to most people. If you’ve ever been confused while researching weatherstripping or rubber parts for your project, you are not alone!

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Some of our part names, like Trunk Weatherstrip or Windshield Gasket, make it easy to identify their purpose. However, other parts may contain terms or phrases that can be difficult to understand if they are unfamiliar to you.

Therefore, we are diving deep into the terms we often use with our parts to ensure you feel confident when choosing replacement weatherstripping.

Basic Weatherstripping Terms

Dense Extrusion - A solid, durable rubber that is flexible enough to bend around a curve but does not compress much. Some of our parts made from dense rubber include glass gaskets, rub rail inserts, window edging, insert trim, most RV slide-out wiper blade seals, and some rubber edge trim.

Sponge Extrusion - A closed-cell sponge rubber that does not absorb moisture. These seals are soft yet durable enough to withstand compression for long periods without losing their shape. Parts made of sponge rubber include trunk seals, auto, RV, and marine door seals, RV and marine compartment seals, and hood-to-cowl seals.

Clinch Seal - Also referred to as a "C-clip" seal or "push-on type" seal, these are designed for easy installation by pushing onto a lip. They have a metal core fully encased in rubber to prevent rust, along with rubber teeth or flanges for a durable grip. Most feature a side, top, or double bulb attached, making them excellent choices for automotive door and trunk seals, RV and marine door seals, as well as many universal applications.

Vulcanized - This term means that two or more pieces of rubber are molded together. For instance, a windshield gasket is formed from an extrusion where the two ends of rubber are placed in a mold with additional rubber, heated, and vulcanized together to create one unit that won’t separate.

Flocked - Parts that are flocked have a fuzzy, velvety coating. Flocked weatherstripping is ideal for sealing areas with moving surfaces because its smooth material eliminates friction. This term is often associated with glass seals such as glass run channels, window felts, and beltline weatherstrips.

Individual Part Names

Beltline Weatherstripping - This component has many nicknames like window fuzzies, anti-rattle seals, and window sweeps. It consists of an inner beltline, which seals between the door panel and the inside of the window, and an outer beltline, sealing between the door and the outside of the window. These parts mount on both sides at the top of the door panel where the window enters, preventing rattles and blocking water and debris from entering the door.

Roof Rail Weatherstrip - An essential component on all hardtops and convertibles, there are two types: hardtop roof rail and convertible roof rail. The hardtop roof rail weatherstrip mounts along the roofline of the vehicle, sealing between the body and the top of the window when the door is shut, thereby eliminating leaks, rattles, and wind noise. The convertible roof rail weatherstrip consists of molded parts that mount to each convertible top section, sealing between the top and the window when closed.

Typically, with convertible roof rail weatherstrips comes the header bow, which runs across the top of the windshield, sealing between the convertible top and the windshield frame when closed.

Run Channel - This is a U-shaped weatherstrip made of metal or rubber, categorized into flexible and rigid types. The Flexible Run Channel runs up and over the window in the frame and seals the window when it’s fully raised. The Rigid Run Channel runs vertically in the door, guiding the window as it moves up and down.

Additionally, a Mohair Liner is sometimes glued into a metal channel for use as a run channel. This soft, thin fabric features a rubber backing and prevents glass from sliding against metal.

Sash Channel - A metal U-shaped channel installed horizontally inside the door that supports the window glass from underneath and attaches to the window regulator. A Sash Channel Filler is rubber mounted to the bottom of the glass to protect it from the metal channel and prevent rattles.

Lock Pillar Filler - This seals the gap at the bottom of the rear side (quarter) window, often shaped like a "U". It is crucial as it prevents water and debris from accumulating inside the body, which can lead to rust.

Hood to Cowl - This weatherstrip seals between the top of the firewall and the back edge of the hood, preventing fumes from entering the cab. It typically runs across the width of the car and often requires special clips for installation.

Division Post Seal - This seal mounts on the vertical post of the vent window, connecting to the main vent window weatherstrip, which seals the other sides of the triangle. If it lacks holes for attachment, it can be glued in place.

Divider Bar Seal - The piece of rubber that divides two glass pieces in a two or three-piece windshield or rear window gasket. This may come molded into the gasket or sold separately depending on the application.

Hinge Pillar - This attaches to the body and seals between the A-pillar post and the front section of the door or vent window frame when closed, mainly found on convertible models.

Side Window Leading Edge - Specifically for hardtops and convertibles, this rubber strip attaches to the vertical edge of the rear side windows, sealing between the front and rear windows when both are fully raised and the door is shut.

Splash Apron Seals - These masticated rubber pieces attach inside a fender well to prevent debris from entering the engine compartment, while A-arm Dust Shields are custom-shaped to fit around A-shaped control arms.

Locking Strip - A rubber or Mylar strip that accompanies many windshield and rear window gaskets, designed to fit into a receiving slot in the gasket to tighten and seal it around the glass.

Bumper Bullets - Conical bumper guards on the front bumper/grille assemblies of some post-war American cars.

Bumper Guard - A rubber piece mounted to the bumper to protect it from minor dents and scratches.

Gravel Shield/Stone Deflector - Molded rubber or extruded parts mounted to the vehicle to protect it from stones deflected by the front wheels.

Body Mounting Pads - Heavy-duty rubber pieces used between the chassis and body of a vehicle to prevent metal-on-metal rubbing.

Bumper Grommet - A rubber grommet designed for cars where the arms holding the bumper pass through the fender, preventing debris from entering the fender.

Miscellaneous Terms

Revulcanization - This process involves stripping old, dried-out, or damaged rubber from a metal core and molding new rubber onto it, essentially creating a brand-new piece. We offer these services for parts like motor mounts, transmission mounts, and vibration dampers on specific vehicles.

Masticated Rubber - A strong rubber sheet containing random milled cotton cord reinforcement, suitable for making splash aprons and other components.

Steele not only offers high-quality products, but also the expertise to help you complete your projects. If you have questions about weatherstripping for your classic vehicle, street rod, RV, or boat, don’t hesitate to contact us! Call us at 800-447-, send us an email, or chat with us on our website.

*For more help, check out our How-To series on YouTube!

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