Belt line door glass exterior seal and interior 'wiskers' replacement

[Dick M]

I recently purchased a 1967 Avanti II with 56,000 miles on it.  I believe I am the 4^th owner.  The vehicle is in good condition, but not really a competitive award winner.  It had been restored in the mid- 80’s by the second owner.  Not much restoration work has been done on it since then other than fixing mechanical items.

The driver side door lock does not work using the key.  However, the interior lock lever does lock the door. I am going to open the door to understand what I can do to fix it.  Since I will be 'going into the door', I wanted to replace the inner and outer glass sweeps, since the rubber exterior lip is hard & cracked and the interior “whiskers” are completely gone (see attached photos).

I have been doing some research on beltline seals for the door glass and have found two types of sweeps that might work.  Both have steel beads on them.  The one that I think will work for the outside is made by “Rubber the Right Way” part number 10-152X (see photo).  I believe it will be almost a direct replacement.  The rubber lip may be a little wider than what is on the vehicle now.  

The one for the interior (with ‘whiskers’) is not a direct replacement.  Since the interior door panel has a wide chrome strip at the window opening, I have not been able to find a seal that includes the wide strip.  I have found a seal that has a steel bead on it that would lay up against that wide strip.  This one is also made by “Rubber the Right Way” part number 10-148X (see photo).

I am not sure this is the best solution.  I am sure many of you have dealt with this issue, and I am looking for any suggestions on how you have handled this issue.  I have not ordered any parts; I hope to benefit from the knowledge of this group before I embark on this journey.  

If any of you have dealt with the door lock issue, I would also like to hear from you.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Edited October 28 by Dick M

[brad]

A 67 would be the same as Studebaker versions. The outer rubber is replaceable and slides into the stainless channel. Available from SI. No need to reinvent the wheel.

[mfg]

I think that your ‘67 Avanti ll has found a good home… Your research before the ‘attack’ is quite commendable!

The door lock issue may be worn parts… Therr is a lot going on in that exterior door handle… but if you indeed end up removing it, I think you’ll be able to figure it out… Typical German assembly… high quality but a bit over complicated!… Good luck with your low mileage ‘67!

[JimM]

I have the same door lock issue. Interested in how your adventure turns out.

[ronmanfredi]

My drivers side door lock had the same problem.  After lubricating all the parts thoroughly, it now works fine.  

On the window wiskers / rubber, you can get the correct ones from Studebaker International or Nostalgic Motors.

[Dick M]

14 hours ago, brad said:

A 67 would be the same as Studebaker versions. The outer rubber is replaceable and slides into the stainless channel. Available from SI. No need to reinvent the wheel.

Thanks for the information.  I just bought the vehicle about a month ago.  As a new 78 year old 'kid on the block', I have a lot to learn.  I appreciate the help this site will provide as I spend more time working on the vehicle.  By the way, Studebaker International not only have the outer seal, but the cat 'whiskers' too.  I ordered the parts today.  Thanks again!

[Dick M]

4 minutes ago, ronmanfredi said:

My drivers side door lock had the same problem.  After lubricating all the parts thoroughly, it now works fine.  

On the window wiskers / rubber, you can get the correct ones from Studebaker International or Nostalgic Motors.

Thanks for the advice.  I ordered the parts today.

[Dick M]

1 hour ago, mfg said:

I think that your ‘67 Avanti ll has found a good home… Your research before the ‘attack’ is quite commendable!

The door lock issue may be worn parts… Therr is a lot going on in that exterior door handle… but if you indeed end up removing it, I think you’ll be able to figure it out… Typical German assembly… high quality but a bit over complicated!… Good luck with your low mileage ‘67!

Thanks for your support.  I suspect for most Avanti Owners, the work is a 'labor of love'.  

[Dick M]

22 minutes ago, JimM said:

I have the same door lock issue. Interested in how your adventure turns out.

As I get into it, I will keep you posted.  Others appear to have had the same problem and lubricating the lock helped.  I will probably take photos once I am into it and post them for others to benefit.