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Rear Qtr Window Outer Sweeps

terrywalker

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I'm having a problem with installing the outer rear quarter window sweeps on my 74 Charger. I have the original I pulled out, a new Top Cat Brand sweep and a PUI replacement sweep. Original is the top bottom one in my photo, the PUI is the middle one and the Top Cat is the top one. I'm having a problem installing the two clips, marked by the screwdriver tips, in the corner slots. I've tried starting at either end and can't get the clips on curved corner into slots. Do I need to start in the corner with those two clips first. The PUI has the cuts so it can be shaped the easiest. The Top Cat is better constructed. Anyone replaced these and can offer me some help? Thanks. Also, installing the seal in the track above the door/quarter windows, do you use the weather-strip adhesive the full length or just on the front and rear of the seal ends? Thanks.
Terry
Rear Qtr Window Outer Sweep.jpg
 
Last edited:
Terry, need to find out if there was a mid year change for your car. Reason is, on my '71 RR, there was. I had the same issue with that exact same piece for my car. It boiled down to when your car was built, if that is the case. Your original doesn't look like the rest to me. The curvature in the original looks more "sharp" or a tighter curve. There is a member here that is a vendor of the Top Cat brand and he may know.
 
On my 73 Charger I had to fight those outer sweeps all the way in. It was not easy and did not fit like the original. I had to tweek the bend a little, open the clips a little, and swear a lot.
 
Terry, need to find out if there was a mid year change for your car. Reason is, on my '71 RR, there was. I had the same issue with that exact same piece for my car. It boiled down to when your car was built, if that is the case. Your original doesn't look like the rest to me. The curvature in the original looks more "sharp" or a tighter curve. There is a member here that is a vendor of the Top Cat brand and he may know.
Here's a few more photos of the repro pieces compared to the original. Very close. I think one of my problems is I have the wide trim piece on. I'm going to remove it for better access. I'm sure I'm not the only one to wrestle these. I'll eventually get them in. First two photos are the Original vs Top Cat. Next is PUI vs original. Thanks.
Terry W.

Original Over Top Cat Sweep 1.jpg Original Over Top Cat Sweep 2.jpg PUI vs Original Sweep 1.jpg Rear Quarter Window Outer Sweeps 1.jpg
 
Here's a few more photos of the repro pieces compared to the original. Very close. I think one of my problems is I have the wide trim piece on. I'm going to remove it for better access. I'm sure I'm not the only one to wrestle these. I'll eventually get them in. First two photos are the Original vs Top Cat. Next is PUI vs original. Thanks.
Terry W.

View attachment 1044547 View attachment 1044548 View attachment 1044549 View attachment 1044550
Success Finally! I ended up elongating the two corner clip slots in the quarter panel by maybe 3/16 inch each and the Top Cat window sweep slipped right in with no problems. I used a rotary carbide file in a variable speed drill to elongate the two slots. I did not remove the window trim piece or elongate any of the other slots. I used the variable speed drill instead of my die grinder for better control. The bottom corner slot, I had to elongate towards the front of the car and the upper corner slot had to be elongated towards the roof. I'll include a few photos.
Terry W.

Rear Qtr Window Sweep Success1.jpg Rear Qtr Window Sweep Success 2.jpg Rear Qtr Window Sweep Success 3.jpg
 
The passenger side needed even less adjustment. Maybe 1/16" so there's a slight difference in where the clips are placed on the sweeps. I guess it's best to check them very closely before installation and if you have the originals, so much the better. I did have one clip break on the passenger side but I drilled the sweep for a small flathead sheet metal screw which cannot be seen.
Terry W.
 
I need to replace window sweeps on my 73 charger coupe. Request details on source and part numbers. Thanks
 
Top Cat brand is the best

Sellers for these, Dixie Restorations, MegapartsUSA, I think Detroit muscle cars now, and I think Dales cuda shop too. Manufacturer had a website ( poor website without details ), which I contacted looong time ago and had to wait couple of months for them for , since they didn't have stock for 73/74 Hardtops kits. I can't find their website now. Usually the main problem to have 73/74 kits stock is the lack of stock for the outer quarter glass seal strip.
 
planning to contract Restoration Specialist to check on stock. Appreciate the information
 
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