Here at Steele we’re well known in the automotive restoration industry for our windshield and rear window gaskets. Glass installers LOVE us! Another key part to getting your ride sealed up tight is Glass Run Channel, and we’re experts there too.
Run Channel has several different functions:
- Prevents window rattles
- Gives glass a smooth surface for movement
- Guides and protects glass
- Gives window openings a finished look
If you’re looking for a quiet ride with no leaks, you’re going to want to make sure your Run Channel is in good shape.
There are several different types of Run Channel- the right one(s) for you depend highly on the type or age of the vehicle you’re working on. We offer some as OEM style replacement parts (pre shaped and cut to size) as well as high quality universal parts that work on so many different makes and models.
You can search on our website here by Year/Make/Model/Style to see the Run Channel we list for your vehicle. For a custom job, check out the Run Channel category in the Street Rod/Custom section of our website!
Flexible (Metal) Run Channel
Made of flexible steel, cloth covered, and mohair lined. Flexible run channel is made to bend to form to the shape of the window frame for a custom fit and flawless look.
We offer it in a variety of styles- rubber backed, black bead, chrome bead and in several different channel sizes and lengths.
Flexible run channel is used on:
- Door Glass Windows
- Quarter Glass Windows
- Tailgate Glass Windows
Need instructions for bending Flexible Run Channel? Check out our YouTube Video!
Rigid Run Channel
Made of steel and mohair lined. Rigid run channel is just that- rigid. It’s meant to be installed vertically and guide window glass up and down in the door.
In vehicles with rigid channel behind the vent windows, there are a few variations of the set up. Some vehicles have one continuous channel from the top of the vent window, down into the door. Some have 2 different channels that split right at the beltline- one that’s meant to be installed above the beltline (to guide the window when it’s all the way rolled up) and one that’s meant to be used below the beltline (to guide the window when it’s rolled down inside the door).
We offer rigid run channel with a chrome bead or without and in various channel sizes and lengths.
Want to see how easy installation is for rigid run channel? Check it out on this vent window weatherstrip install video!
To install these metal Flexible or Rigid Run Channels you simply push them into the frame around the window or into the back side of the vent window frame. You can use screws or rivets if you’d like but they’re normally not necessary. Most channels are just held in with pressure.
Auto manufacturers got away from using these metal-based Flexible and Rigid Run Channels in favor of rubber run channels in the 1960’s.
Rubber Run Channel
Made of electrostatic flocked rubber.
We offer these in many different profiles and several different lengths.
Rubber run channel is used on:
- Door Glass Windows
- Quarter Glass Windows
- Tailgate Glass Windows
Need instructions for installing Rubber Run Channel? Check out our YouTube Video!
Rubber Run Channels have been the standard since the 1960’s and still come on brand new cars today.
Run Channel Solutions
Did you know that Steele offers run channel solutions for 1920’s- 30’s vehicles with wood inside the doors? These vehicles sometimes originally came without run channel but that makes for a noisy ride and no protection for your window glass. Others had channel like this nailed to the wood.
In the Street Rod/Custom section of our website we offer rubber run channel specifically for this purpose! It’s sold by the foot so you can order as little or as much as you need:
- Side Window Header Channel #70-0306-130
- Side Window Run Channel #70-1168-130
- Side Window Run Channel #70-1169-130
Still need help choosing the right run channel? Send us a message at cars@steelerubber.com or give us a call and talk to a product specialist. They can advise you as well as send free samples of run channel so you can fit it up before you buy!
Do you have another rubber or weatherstripping part that you’d like to know a little bit more about? Check out our Simple Guide to Weatherstripping Terms.
Steele not only has all the products you need but all the knowledge you need to get the job done right, too. If you have questions about Rubber Parts or Weatherstripping on your Classic Car, Truck, Hot Rod or even your boat, trailer or RV, feel free to reach out to us! You can call us at 800-650-4482, contact us through our website or comment on this post and we’ll get you answers as quickly as possible. Check out our YouTube channel for our full library of how-to/installation videos.
Steele Rubber Products, located in Denver, NC, is a manufacturer and seller of high-quality rubber parts and weatherstripping products for classic and vintage automobiles, hot rods, RVs and Boats. Steele offers more than 12,000 parts for cars and trucks as well as a large line of universal weatherstripping and rubber parts to be used on any project. Established in 1958, Steele is a trusted name in the automotive restoration industry.
