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vent window seal; differences b'tween '77 and '78

4K views 17 replies 7 participants last post by  Gerhart 
#1 ·
As some of you know, I am restorating my '77 W200 (former M880). So now I am looking for new vent window seals, but the old style (up to '77) seems to be very hard to get.
The newer style seals ('78 and up) are still available from several suppliers, so I was thinking about using these for my truck, but the question is: what are the differences between the old- and new style?
Can these seals be fitted and what has to be modified (if possible at all)?
Perhaps someone overhere allready has made the switch to the newer style and can tell me what the differences are.
 
#3 ·
DODGEBOYS said:
the difference is the OLD style had a complete metal channel around the vent window and the NEW style just has the channel at the very bottem
that change was not until 88, hes asking about 77-78 seals
 
#5 ·
DODGEBOYS said:
yup l looked it up in the parts book / there AINT a differnce between 77 and 78 / the part number for both years is # 3739-464-5
Is this a partnumber from Dodge?
Because all listings I have seen mention specifically different parts for the later and older style. Later style being '78 to '86. See http://www.thecliphouse.com/dodge-truck-vehicle-moulding.html
None of the suppliers can confirm that his part will fit earlier style trucks.
Problem again is that I really want to know 100% sure that they ARE interchangeable. I don't like to order two seals at $125 each only to find out that they do not fit.
So I was hoping to hear that someone actually tried this and confirmed that they fit or easily can be made to fit.

Please forgive me for being so suspicious, but I've allready had my share of incorrect parts. Most of them were "guaranteed" to be the correct part or direct fit or interchangeable.
Extra problem for me (again) is that I live in the Netherlands (Europe). Most parts are not available, so I have to order directly from the U.S.A. So if I receive an incorrect part, it is impossible to return it; returning costs are mostly higher that the price of the part itself.

Thanks sofar on the replies!!
 
#7 ·
From what I can tell, there are three different versions.

72-77, 78-86, and 87-93.

72-77 is 3739464 for the right side and 3739465 is for the left.  Both are cancelled NS1.

78-86 is 4083716 for the right and 403717 for the left and both are also cancelled NS1.

87-93 is 4354606 for the right and 4354607 for the left and both are still available currently.

  Without having them in front of me, I cannot verify any differences other then they have different part numbers and applications.  I would guess that they will not swap without doing so major surgery.
 
#8 ·
I have a set of '79 doors (planning on cutting the frames out for when the top is off).  I'll try to take a look at the vent windows on them and see if they look any different than the ones on my '76.  Offhand I know the '79 doors have a button you have to press to unlatch the vent window.  I don't remember if anything else was different.  It's also possible you might be able to swap part of the vent window assembly out to make the later seals work.  That would probably be difficult for you to get, but someone on here should have some, and if not let me know and I'll take a look next time I go to the junkyard.

-Dave
 
#9 ·
764speedRC said:
I have a set of '79 doors (planning on cutting the frames out for when the top is off). I'll try to take a look at the vent windows on them and see if they look any different than the ones on my '76. Offhand I know the '79 doors have a button you have to press to unlatch the vent window. I don't remember if anything else was different. It's also possible you might be able to swap part of the vent window assembly out to make the later seals work. That would probably be difficult for you to get, but someone on here should have some, and if not let me know and I'll take a look next time I go to the junkyard.

-Dave
That would be great, Dave!!!
I'll just wait and see.
 
#10 ·
Ok, I took a look at both doors and the only difference seems to be in the latch. On the early door (first picture) the latch is on the lower metal frame, and locks into a metal tab on the bottom. There is a small notch in the weatherstrip for this tab. On the later door, the latch is on the glass, and the handle contacting the frame between the vent and side windows is what holds it closed. Since the later doors don't have the tab they wouldn't have the notch in the weatherstrip for it. I'm pretty sure that's the only difference and it shouldn't be too hard to cut that notch in the weatherstrip. Alternatively, you should be able to change over to the later style vent windows fairly easily, but personally I like the earlier ones better anyway.

-Dave

76 door:


79 door:
 
#11 ·
Well, Dave, I couldn't ask for more!
Thanks for the research and excellent report!

The cutting of the seals won't be a problem and I prefer the earlier style as well.

Thanks again!
 
#13 ·
Hey David, that's alink I did not know yet! Thanks!!!
I'll give them a call for a quote on a set to be shipped to the Netherlands.
 
#15 ·
David, I just started an E-mail for you.
There are some additional parts which I need (which i did not know untill I took a strawl through your website :p).
Will send you the E-mail as soon as my wish list is complete (and approved  ;D)

Thanks.
 
#18 ·
Chump said:
Gerhart, now we know for sure. The 72-77 seals have not been reproduced in the aftermarket as far as I know.
Indeed, my friend.
As soon as I have the new seals I will make a short how to in this topic about the involved "customizing" of the seals to make them fit the early style.
 
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