The Great Cortina Door Weatherstrip-Clip Saga...
Or, how to confuse yourself, without really trying.
Last year I bought a weatherstrip kit from the MK1 Cortina Owner's Club for my 4-door GT. It consisted of two, 2-metre lengths of weatherstrip and a packet of Escort clips. Forty-four clips are needed for a 4-door car, 24 for a 2-door. (Don't understand the numbers quoted in the Ford Parts Book -- we counted the holes in the door!) I installed the clips on one door, and cut some weatherstrip to the correct length. On installing the strip, I found that some of the clips were scratching the glass. I compared them with the original clips and found them very "fat". From that point on, things degenerated into a farce...but probably all of my own making.
As I recall, the club said no-one else had reported a problem. I tried to source original clips, and this quest took me right round the world! A possible source in New Zealand did not have any. A possible source in Australia couldn't be bothered to answer their emails again (again). An American MK1 Lotus owner said he had glued his strips into place, apparently quite successfully, as he could not find the correct clips.
Meanwhile I had sent samples to an original clip manufacturer. A few months later, I received a phone call from this manufacturer saying the clips were now available! I advised the Owner's club accordingly, who tried to order the clips and were told they were not available! This bit of confusion has never been resolved...
I then discovered that the 105E Anglia club had re-manufactured the clips; we believe they are the same. Then I discovered the price... £8 for 5 clips !!! That would mean a 4-door Cortina needing 44 clips would cost a staggering £72, plus a club membership as they only sell to club-members.
Then I discovered a supplier in the UK who advertised the clips on his web-site. On enquiring, I was told they were no longer available. He then told me he had the tool to re-manufacture them, but he would not make any as there was no demand, and he also would not sell the tool as it had cost a lot to make (!)
This had now been going on for about a year. I contacted another source who gave me the key to the whole thing. Replacement weatherstrip is S L I G H T L Y different to original weather strip. If you are getting bored by now, stick with me for a moment longer as there are some piccies coming up which will show everything.
A week or so ago, I tried another piece of weatherstrip from the club, together with some club-supplied clips. Lo and behold it all fitted with no scratching!
So what had I done wrong? Apparently, nothing. It may be that I was just very unlucky with my door frame, the actual piece of weatherstrip, or just one clip may have caused all the trouble.
Conclusions
So what have I learnt? If you are using original weatherstrip, you ideally need original clips which are probably not available any more. I've got some for sale... However you can use the Escort-type clips but the weatherstrip may not be at the original (correct) height relative to the top of the door. However, the error is quite small and will probably only concern concourse cars. But then again, where can you get original weatherstrip? If you know, tell me!
If you are using replacement weatherstrip you probably need the Escort-type clips. If needs be, you can put the clip into a vice and give the protruding part of the clip a few strokes with a file. That will bring down the edge and should remove any risk of fouling the glass.
On the left, the original weatherstrip, with an original clip. On the right, replacement weatherstrip with the Escort-type clip. Note the height of each weatherstrip. Also note the location of the retaining clip (the little tongue which fits into the door) relative to the top of the clip.
Another view emphasises the difference in the weatherstrip. Again, the one on the right is the readily-available replacement.
Notice the height of the original clip, and the height of the replacement (blue) clip.
Close-up showing clips installed and relative heights...Escort above, original Cortina below...
If you are worried about a clip scratching the glass, give the protruding edge a few strokes with a file to bring the edge down...
Take care that the clip does not extend beyond the weatherstrip, otherwise it may come into contact with the glass. A few strokes with a file will take enough of the edge off to provide clearance. This weatherstrip is quite "plush" and is much fatter than the clip.
A packet of Escort-type trim clips.
Notes:-
Original clip part number 109E 7320930 / Finis Code 1771868
Replacement Escort-type ( Escort MK1 & MK2 internal weatherstrip clip 3024E 7020930-A (Finis code required please ?)
Escort clips regularly available on eBay at £4.49 for 12.
Weatherstrip available from Woolies item number 152.
or complete kits from the MK1 Cortina Owner's Club (sales to members-only)
Page created:- 26 August, 2005