Belt weatherstrip with expandable width and method

A belt weatherstrip adapted for engagement over and end flange of a vehicle, said belt weatherstrip comprising:

• a one-piece core member including a backing leg, an intermediate leg and a show surface leg generally forming a U-shaped member having a width for fitting over the end flange;
• an elastomeric coating extruded onto at least portions of the core member for providing at least one sealing lip extending from said core member;
• a plurality of perforations formed in said intermediate leg whereby said perforations allow expansion in said width of said perforated leg such that said width may be varied during forming of the weatherstrip to provide a better final fit with respect to the vehicle.

A belt weatherstrip adapted for engagement over an end flange of a vehicle, said belt weatherstrip comprising:

• a one-piece core member including a backing leg, an intermediate leg and a show surface leg generally forming a U-shaped member having a width for fitting over the end flange;
• an elastomeric coating extruding onto at least portion of the core member for providing at least one sealing lip extending from said core member;
• a plurality of slits formed in said intermediate leg at an angle slanted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the leg whereby said slits allow expansion in said width of said intermediate leg such that said width may be varied during forming of the weatherstrip to provide a better final fit with respect to final contours of the vehicle.