Abstract: A method of joining end portions of a weatherstrip consists of introducing the end portions to openings in a mold such that a seal portion of the weatherstrip is compressed substantially to the shape of a seal lip of the seal portion. The end portions are separated in the mold by a predetermined gap and a rubber material is injected into the gap for mutually bonding the end portions of the weatherstrip. Such a method of joining allows the weatherstrip to be installed on complexly shaped openings with no degradation of sealing characteristics over the perimeter covered by the weatherstrip. A molding apparatus for joining said end portions includes a clamping member for assuring correct positioning of a sealing edge of the weatherstrip.

Abstract: A method of producing a weatherstrip for an automotive vehicle is included. This weatherstrip includes generally a sliding seal portion for sealing between a vehicle body and a window glass and a weatherstrip base portion for bordering an open edge of the vehicle body. The sliding seal portion is made of rubber material with which lubricant is blended so that the lubricant bleeds out of an outer surface of the sliding seal portion with use for providing low friction against sliding movement of the window glass. The weatherstrip base portion is made of conventional rubber material including no lubricant and is one-piece molded with the sliding seal member by extrusion molding.