I had some of the same problems when I was finishing the coupe. I spaced and built up to get it close, making new panels etc. The wind lace takes up a lot of space and a little space ( I think) looks good. If you weather strip with the right size rubber you shouldn't have a problem with it getting wet when driving in the rain. I also used a ruffle design and it takes up a lot of unwanted space.

I like that design on the panel . I used that all through ( doors, trunk and hood) of the coupe. Check my Gallery.