Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I am getting tired of the air noise and water leaks and need new weatherstripping on my 1952 300. I have looked in the suppliers catalogs for the items I need. I noticed on ebay that someone is selling the items I need for a lot less money than the normal suppliers. Has anyone had any experience with the ebay items? I don't want to install junk, but I wouldn't mind saving a few dollars either. Thanks, Wayne

Don't know if they'd give you any info as to mfg, but I have used stuff from JC Whitney and also from another rubber co (think it was Metro) a few yrs ago. Both fit as advertised, but the Whitney stuff deteriorated rather quickly in the summer heat and the other was somewhat hard to start with and seemed to have difficulty seating in. IMHO, Steele is the best way to go but having said that, I know they are expensive. I believe some of the vendors buy at wholesale from them and vary a bit in price so maybe it's OK.

A.E. Medeiros (80 Freetown St. Lakeville) is one of those e-bay sellers. I ordered weatherstrips for my Packard Convertible 1951 (trunk and door), but both didn't fit. I agreed to send it back, but they say they never received them and I never got my money back.

So, I suggest you don't by from them.

Tom Wolt
The Netherlands

For what it's worth, I bought the rubber for the trunk from that Ebay seller (A. E. Madeiros). It wasn't an exact replacement, but it was certainly acceptable.

The price was reasonable and he did send me a small sample of the door rubber, whick looks like it might work ok.

Thank you for that information. That helps my decision. Wayne

Though I've had more than one occasion to gulp at the prices, if you want the most exact duplicate of the original stuff in high quality, you'll not be disappointed with what you buy from Steele Rubber. Oats that has been through the horse once is always cheaper.

May I second that? I've bought two different Steele Rubber products, and they have both been perfect. I would say that with Steele you may get *more* than you paid for.

I used Steele Rubber when I replaced my two split windshields. The rubber was live, elastic and strong. Easy to work with.

If I had an unlimited (or even reasonably high) budget I'd never shop anywhere else. Sorry to say I don't!

Jay