Gen 2 GTS Outer Stanchion Cover weatherstrip upgrade/replacement

**SnakeWatching** · 08-08-2016

Knowing that the Gen 2's have issues with the weatherstripping for the Outer Stanchion Cover on the GTS (Part MS80RX8 passenger and MS81RX8 driver):

1) Replacements are hard to get (if even still available for drivers side).

2) It is very expensive to purchase a whole cover just to replace the weatherstrip.

3) Original attachment is weak and can pop off if pressed hard.

I am pursuing getting this issue solved for both Driver and Passenger side.

I would like to make weatherstrip so it is stronger than OEM and an easy replacement process while looking OEM (at a reasonable cost).

I could use items below if anyone can help me (PM me please).

A) old weatherstrip piece (any length or condition) and/or junk outer Stanchion for testing (don't want to tear mine up just yet, unless I have to).

B) any old drawing or OEM spec on who made the weatherstrip for Dodge (and the dimensions if possible).

NOTE: This will take time (I am a busy guy).

To gauge interest >> Who would be interested in the final product? (if my part works out).

**98RedGTS** · 08-08-2016

Don't have any of the items you need but I'm hopeful you can get it figured out. Would be nice to have a cost effective option for when that day comes.

**MH60M** · 08-08-2016

I don't have any spares for testing...just the rotted ones, flapping off my GTS.

**QuikHD** · 08-08-2016

I would buy replacements if made available again

**MacGyvers Mullet** · 08-08-2016

I would certainly be on board. I still can't pony up $700 for OEM replacements if they are just going to break again. I am sure this isn't an extremely difficult project if you can find the right stripping and have a decent R&D background.

**ICPREY** · 08-08-2016

I would be interested, mine are good but would like other options than just buying a new stanchion.

**Geronimo** · 08-08-2016

I think many would be interested...

**'93 RT/10** · 08-08-2016

I would be interested.

**Ron** · 08-09-2016

Count me in

**dave6666** · 08-09-2016

I have brand new stanchions. They are not $700 lol. So you need an impression from one?

**SnakeWatching** · 08-09-2016

Originally Posted by dave6666

I have brand new stanchions. They are not $700 lol. So you need an impression from one?

My idea is to have the outer stanchion plate (poor condition or broken would be fine) and a section (1-2 inches minimum?) of the weatherstrip that falls off. I can get measurements and a cross-section of weatherstrip to people that can manufacture the new strip. When I get full length test weatherstrips I would need a good outer stanchion to test fit the strip.

**MacGyvers Mullet** · 08-09-2016

Someone may know better, but it seems that the factory stripping is a bit too short to begin with. I have glued the broken stripping back together with industrial rubber cement and the window still wants to break past it when rolling it up....which of course it does eventually. Or maybe the stripping is the right size and the factory design is a bit flawed by having the window go up to far?

**SnakeWatching** · 08-09-2016

Originally Posted by MacGyvers Mullet

Someone may know better, but it seems that the factory stripping is a bit too short to begin with. I have glued the broken stripping back together with industrial rubber cement and the window still wants to break past it when rolling it up....which of course it does eventually. Or maybe the stripping is the right size and the factory design is a bit flawed by having the window go up to far?

All my other cars auto windows seem to stop "UP" fine. I have not had the Viper very long, but I must say the widow does seem to stop in the "UP" position with a lot of force. Anyone know of a way to correct the glass stop function?

**mitchdob** · 08-09-2016

@ MacGyvers.. : You are correct. I never roll the windows on my Gen II GTS all the way up. I was told that what you described is indeed a design flaw and that rolling the window all the way up only accelerates/exacerbates the strip breaking off the stanchion plate.

**dave6666** · 08-09-2016

The upper glass travel stop is inside the stanchion. It's a lot of disassembly to get to.

**HKViper** · 09-22-2016

Originally Posted by dave6666

The upper glass travel stop is inside the stanchion. It's a lot of disassembly to get to.

So is it because the glass puts too much upward pressure on the rubber and basically pulls it apart? Is it possible to make it so the glass doesn't travel so high?

**Luisv** · 08-09-2016

Mine has come loose. I was planning on tackling this soon. I will gladly take a multitude of photos for you.

I was planning on repairing, but have to look at it to see what the possibilities are, if any.

**dave6666** · 08-09-2016

What do you need pics of? I have new ones and have repaired old ones with some pics of those.

**Luisv** · 08-09-2016

Originally Posted by dave6666

What do you need pics of? I have new ones and have repaired old ones with some pics of those.

Then I guess you have it covered.

**Ricketts** · 08-10-2016

Originally Posted by dave6666

What do you need pics of? I have new ones and have repaired old ones with some pics of those.

I'm curious to see such.

**SnakeWatching** · 08-10-2016

I think the reason why a lot of the drivers door weatherstrips are popped off is because when I was watching my Viper being driven out of the transport, the driver had to climb into the viper through the drivers side window opening (with not much room to move around), to be able to drive the car out. You put a big guy going through a tight opening and .... pop goes the weatherstrip.

**DaveW** · 08-11-2016

Originally Posted by SnakeWatching

I think the reason why a lot of the drivers door weatherstrips are popped off is because when I was watching my Viper being driven out of the transport, the driver had to climb into the viper through the drivers side window opening (with not much room to move around), to be able to drive the car out. You put a big guy going through a tight opening and .... pop goes the weatherstrip.

^^^^^ This happened to mine about 10 years ago. Used some 3M adhesive (black) and it is still holding. However, I'm definitely interested in a new replacement weatherstrip.

**SnakeWatching** · 08-11-2016

I received my first sample weatherstrip and it looks promising.

This weatherstrip (beyond normal attachment surface) has a curl of rubber that wraps over the outside front edge of the outer stanchion (which the OEM did not) for increased attachment strength.

**Fatboy 18** · 04-18-2017

Originally Posted by SnakeWatching

I think the reason why a lot of the drivers door weatherstrips are popped off is because when I was watching my Viper being driven out of the transport, the driver had to climb into the viper through the drivers side window opening (with not much room to move around), to be able to drive the car out. You put a big guy going through a tight opening and .... pop goes the weatherstrip.

That's exactly what I had to do, Someone in a Lamborghini Miura had parked a bit too close to me and I had to lean into the car to move it (the window was down) I released the handbrake and gently moved the car forward to open the door, but as I pulled myself away from the door I heard a crack and the weatherstrip had popped off!

I used two part epoxy adhesive to glue it back on and has been fine ever since.