window sweep replacement

apollotaki wrote: HELP: I have a 1959 Rambler Super. I am attempting to install new window sweeps. The outer sweeps have clips, no problem. The inner sweeps have staples. I ordered a set through Peter Stathes . Problem: How do you get the staples to go through the sweeps (felt and metal) and properly line up with the tiny staple holes in the inner door panel. Is there a special tool? I can always measure the distance between the staple holes but the measurements would have to be super accurate to get the staples to line up. Has anyone replaced these with success?

I'd love to know the answer to this as well - I need to replace the fuzzies on my 77 Matador wagon's tailgate, and they are applied in the same way.  Clearly it was a technique that AMC used for decades (and probably other mfgs too) but how to replicate that now is a great big curiosity.  Thanks for asking this question!

rocklandrambler wrote: Whenever I had to replace stapled window sweeps in the past I did away with the staples.  You'll never get them to line up.  I either put them on using a weatherstrip adhesive or used small 4-40 sheet metal screws.

Ahh!  you are definitely doing what I was thinking - and I'm glad that it worked for you!  On the tailgate, I can see using some type 77 adhesive to hold the sweep in place, and then secure it with the screws.  fortunately on my matador, the outer edges of the sweep were held on with screws from the factory, and there is a recess in the tailgates sheet metal to allow for that. This may have been to stabilize the sweep enough for the worker to fire the staples through the metal. I'll probably have to cut away or dimple some sheet metal in the tailgate to allow for the screws (the sweep applies to a metal trim piece that then overlays onto the inner tailgate sheet metal.