how do you bend stainless weatherstrip channel??

[Vonn Ditch]

They sell the stainless strips that hold the convertible window weatherstrip in 30" straight pieces. Great no problem, except two of the pieces have to be bent slightly to fit around the window opening on each side. So, wise men of the fordbarn.....just exactly how do you do that without kinking?

These little bends in that channel are kicking my butt.........

[51 MERC-CT]

Would be nice to see a pic of exactly what you are talking about.

[Ken/Alabama]

Very carefully. Draw the curve you need on a section of wood and cut it. Then sandwich the stainless between the two and pull it together with clamps.

[swoopNZ]

For bigger bends you may have to make a series of "pie cuts " below the stainless rib.

[Vonn Ditch]

Thanks guys. I tried the pie cuts with a very thin dremel cut-off blade. That actually works pretty darn nice. I'm going to try the wood form method too.

[Kube]

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Originally Posted by Vonn Ditch

Thanks guys. I tried the pie cuts with a very thin dremel cut-off blade. That actually works pretty darn nice. I'm going to try the wood form method too.

Ken nailed this one.
It would have been nice to know what year / model you are working on so as to provide the best possible advice. When I restore a '40 convertible and find it necessary to replace the stainless channel, I use the same method as Ken.
I have never found it necessary to cut the channel. If you do, and, if you are having the car judged, you'd be well advised to weld the cuts and grind / polish back to perfection.

[V12Bill]

If you are referring to the "whiskers" or "wipers" on the side glass, be careful that you have enough material and are not too close to the end. I had a kit from Vintique that the wipers were cut exactly the correct length, but had not been bent to fit yet. I had to buy new material and cut them in longer lengths, because when bent , the lower portion becomes shorter and did not cover all of the area that they were supposed to.