VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 The Filling Station order just came in...

That was fast. One of the items was the trunk weatherstrip B-161 bought by the foot. It stated it was for 1940-54 and gave a cross section view and a measurement that I didn't pay close enough attention to. The gutter where it's glued into is bigger than I thought, when I removed the old one the new one was smaller than it needs to be. Cot40's list one for 42-47 Fleetline 2-door pt#4125998 and in the online catalog states it is for the Aero which is what I have. So now unless TFS refunds and accepts the return I will be spending $150 instead of the $115 that Cot40's is asking.

Your situation is one that I encounter more and more frequently. There are 3 trends that seem to be making things worse.

One is that most of the supply houses we use to buy parts for any make and year have no quality control processes. Perhaps the worst experiences I have are with Rock Auto. I still use them some because their pricing is so good and I normally have time to get the part replaced. I spend a lot of time verifying part numbers and fit these days before I place an order anywhere.

The other is the attrition of experience and knowledge that made houses like Chev of the 40’s and the Filling Station so great. The incoming generation of employees is just part number and order takers.

Taking the old part to your FLAPS will not help make sure you get the correct part. They only stock the very fastest moving parts so will have to order it anyway.

Thanks for letting me vent!

Your venting helps me realize I need to research more before ordering. The dimensions were right in the description and all I would have had to do is pull out some of the weatherstrip and measure the channel. I think they are good people because the are letting me send it back for a refund and that is being put towards the correct weatherstrip. The one I ordered is sourced from Steel and is for the Aerosedan and it includes the 3' bottom piece also. A little more pricey but... I also ordered door weatherstrip and I may be kicking myself on this also, I went the economy route to save myself about $130.

Thanks for the additional info. I agree that both Chev of the 40’s and the Filling Station are very cooperative with respect to situations like this.

Your note also reminds me of one other step I have taken to make sure I get the parts I need. If possible I order from the manufacturer such as Steele. At a minimum is try to use the manufacturer’s website to confirm information.

I didn't realize it was a Steele product till they told me while I was on the phone with them about the return. I will go to the Steele site and check price difference. Well I just did before I finished the post and it looks like TFS and Cot40's is cheaper. I'm guessing because of the volume they do.

That is interesting. Typically I find that Steele tries to keep their pricing in line with their resellers.

Yes, I'm afraid you will. The molded in corners and fitted hinge molding is well worth the $. Just my opinion.

Interesting I have the same car and for the $300+ door weatherstrip kit Steele is about $40 cheaper.

I’m interested in how this goes for you as I’ll have to do all new rubber on mine as well. Just don’t have the $$ saved up yet

I will save if my math is right, $129.26 and I can put that toward something else. If you go to the Filling Station online catalog the door weatherstrip is on page 129. There are three separate pieces, CV-114 is the bottom strip,50-85 is for the door edge which I bought 16" a little more than I need I think and 40-168 for the hinge post side of body or door it says. I will probably use Steele products for windshield and back window. I need it all if I can save money on vents, door windows and 1/4 glass I probably will. Does yours have the stainless trim around all the windows?

....since your in Franklin just drive down to Steele Rubber products. I'm in Spartanburg and when I need to do business with Steele I just drive up to Denver NC and look at what I'm getting.....plus, Car Shop is in Concord Mills close to Charlotte Race Track and I've had good luck with them.
..I realize we can't always look before we buy but when I can I like to put my eyes on it!!

It is about half as far for you as for me. I really don't want to drive 3 hr. to shop. Add time and gas to cost. Now if I was heading that way anyway then maybe. I have not been that far East in five years.

Steele products will make a catalog strictly for your car, so you don't have to wade thru pages of parts not related to your car.