From time to time, I wonder when the Fourth Generation F-bodies will be considered classics, or collector cars. They have style, performance and a personality all their own, and I feel they will one day be a prized piece. I am not holding my breath, as that day may take some time to come. That doesn't mean these late-model cars aren't plagued by the same problems classic muscle cars have to deal with, such as wear. It's no revelation that weatherstripping is open to the elements, and if it's not cared for properly, will have to be replaced prematurely. Replacement isn't always the only alternative, as we soon found out with our '01 Trans Am. A bucket of water, some 2,000-grit wet/dry sandpaper, and some elbow grease may be all you need to restore the look of your tired weatherstripping.
When a car sits and is improperly cared for, it is at greater risk for deterioration. This is most notable in cars not kept in garages, which is the very predicament this Bird was forced to endure. The paint survived, as well as the majority of the weatherstripping, but the rear glass stripping did not fare so well. It was left pitted and discolored.
Not being one to accept this eyesore, I began my search for a solution to the problem. After talking with a few buddies at a car meet, the answer I was looking for was thrown my way. The idea applies the same to paint; the surface becomes tarnished, but there is still enough material underneath to bring it back. We would acquire the materials to wet-sand our hatch glass weatherstripping in an effort to bring some life back into it.
The simple fact that we were able to pick up the supplies we needed in one location made this appealing. More so was the price; at a hair over $15, we were able to buy Mothers Back-to-Black, 3M Painter's Tape, and 3M 2,000-grit wet/dry sandpaper. The other materials were common hosehold items such as a regular sponge, small bucket, and terrycloth towels. Any of these items can be purchased from your local auto parts store.
Words of wisdom for those with unsteady hands: Apply tape to the paint as well.
