If you look at the bracket that holds the felt strips in, you will see a couple of detents. These keep the strips from sliding in any farther than they should, but you have to hold the strips up against these detents as you tighten the screws of the bracket. The length shortening is normal. These seals are made for quite a few models.

If you have to beat on them, you have the brackets too tight. Leave them nice and loose until you have the seals in completely.

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Don't Chrome them; polish them