Removing Old Door Fuzzy, HELP Options

[1adam12]

Hi everyone! I'm trying to install a new set of outer door fuzzies I recently purchased from 914rubber but I'm having a hell of a time removing the old fuzzy. I was able to locate and remove the 3 screws that hold the original fuzzy in place but it's been difficult trying to get the old decrepit fuzzy strip out of the retaining bracket?

Does this bracket come off somehow because it's a pain trying to pick and break up the old strip through the top of the door. Even if I was able to break up most of the old strip, the top metal portion would still be lodged within the top of the bracket.

[toolguy]

see the hole with the light shining through. . Isn't that the access hole to the screw that hold the strip on. . IIRC there are 3 of them

[1adam12]

see the hole with the light shining through. . Isn't that the access hole to the screw that hold the strip on. . IIRC there are 3 of them

I did use the holes to access the screws which have been removed already. Problem is removing the old strip now.

[1adam12]

I guess my question is does the entire piece of aluminum strip that holds the fuzzy and scraper come off once you've removed the 3 small screws? It doesn't seem like I can pry it off without damaging the track or the door but I'm being cautious.

[arne]

Push it down into the door. I did mine last week.

[914_teener]

I guess my question is does the entire piece of aluminum strip that holds the fuzzy and scraper come off once you've removed the 3 small screws? It doesn't seem like I can pry it off without damaging the track or the door but I'm being cautious.

Did you actually unscrew the whole screw or did they break off?

I had to drill the screws out in my car cause they broke off and couldn.t pull the channel off without effing it up.

[PanelBilly]

I spent several, yes several long nights replacing that fuzzy strip. The steel backer in the original ones had rusted and I needed to scrap the crap out carefully. Themn putting them back in was another loooong project. just one of those jobs that tests you

[mgphoto]

The screws tend to bend the metal in the holes preventing the strip from being removed.
A few good taps with a hammer and long screwdriver downward.

[Mikey914]

We do make replacement aluminum strips if you need them, but you shohld be able to push down. Hopefully not a broken screw, but if you look st the ones you removed you can tell. Take a wood shim and tap down on it as not to damage the old track but if you need them we do have new ones.
Mark
http://shop.914rubber.com/91453195910-Door...m?categoryId=-1

[barefoot]

Those 3 little screws were the only ones on the entire car that I could not remove, I finally gave up.

[mgphoto]

Those 3 little screws were the only ones on the entire car that I could not remove, I finally gave up.

Drill them out and use stainless steel replacements.

[banananose914]

For removing the screws I used Map gas. You just have to be careful you don't apply too much heat and screw up the door itself. Once the channels are off, you can soak them in water to loosen things up. I used a putty knife to scrape out what was still left in the channel. I then sandblasted them, and sprayed them with Krylon dull aluminum paint. Make sure that when you install them, the screws sit flush with the channel and they don't protrude into the fuzzy itself. If they do, you stand the chance of scratching your window. As stated above, use stainless steel screws. I live in Orange County, if you need some help restoring them let me know. I'll do what I can to help you. Jim.

[1adam12]

Did you actually unscrew the whole screw or did they break off?

I had to drill the screws out in my car cause they broke off and couldn.t pull the channel off without effing it up.
[/quote]

I was able to get 2 out of 3 screws out with no problem. I stripped the head on the last one but was able to carefully twist it out with angled needle-nose pliers.

[1adam12]

Thank you everyone for your replies and knowledge on this topic. I made sure to do a search on the web, here and on the other public forums first before posting here. It seems that most write-ups didn't go over how to remove the actual aluminum track to get better access to getting the old fuzzy strip out. The scrape out method while everything is still inside the door would be insane sorry PanelBilly

I'll try the methods that you all have mentioned tomorrow. A weekend project it seems now smh! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[1adam12]

For removing the screws I used Map gas. You just have to be careful you don't apply too much heat and screw up the door itself. Once the channels are off, you can soak them in water to loosen things up. I used a putty knife to scrape out what was still left in the channel. I then sandblasted them, and sprayed them with Krylon dull aluminum paint. Make sure that when you install them, the screws sit flush with the channel and they don't protrude into the fuzzy itself. If they do, you stand the chance of scratching your window. As stated above, use stainless steel screws. I live in Orange County, if you need some help restoring them let me know. I'll do what I can to help you. Jim.

Awesome Jim! Great step by step explanation. I can definitely get a visual on how to finish the job now and thank you for the tips on the reinstallation. My neighbor has a sandblaster which I've been using every weekend so far trying to restore bits and pieces. My channels need it as they were over-sprayed from the previous owner's paint job. I'll try and find that dull aluminum paint.

[Mikey914]

No need to paint. Use acetone and some scotchbrite to remove paint and youcan polish id you wish (no one really sees this part).
Mark

[jim_hoyland]

Does the older fuzzy cause the window to become harder to crank up?

[1adam12]

Well, I was able to remove the aluminum track. I used a flat head screwdriver, hammer and thick microfiber towel so I wouldn't damage the aluminum. I just punched down the center-top track that holds the scrapper and off it went.

I sprayed some Lucas Tool Box buddy on the old rubber and now soaking it in soapy water before my next attempt to scrape out the old fuzzy. I added picks for reference.

[whitetwinturbo]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[1adam12]

Thanks to everyone on this thread and 914rubber. My fuzzies have gone from Ratchet to Respectible (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I also installed the new scrappers and inner fuzzies..what a difference!