[pilot737]

I believe my trunk weatherstrip is installed backwards. Someone started/ended the installation in the front part of the channel (side nearest the rear window). Shouldn't the strip start and end near the back side of the trunk near the tail lights?

Second question: Is there any adhesive that secures the strip in place? I lifted in a couple places and don't see any sign of adhesive.

If it's backwards, hoping I can remove and replace the same piece.

[Chief of the 60's]

The seam needs to be at the trunk lock striker or it will leak.

A thin bead of 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive completely around the bottom of the channel is needed.

[OG68]

Like Chief said and make sure the weatherstrip is oriented correctly.

[Jeff Hamlin]

... Before you glue it in be sure it's a good fit.
I recently found an issue of a slight wind-driven leak.
"Only if driving in the rain"
Otherwise if exposed to water/rain while parked, No leak.

So I bought a few different seals to see what if any difference there might be and it seems not all seals are equal,
so be sure yours is a good snug fit up against the lid.

Cheers

[gokitty]

"Kitty' gets wet when I wash her. That's about it. Rather than have water collect in the trunk weatherstripping cracks, I've left the weatherstripping unglued. I take it out after washing, get the channels and weather stripping good and dry and reinstall. I do not worry about rust forming in the weatherstripping channel. Not much trouble.

[Chief of the 60's]

Originally Posted by gokitty

"Kitty' gets wet when I wash her. That's about it. Rather than have water collect in the trunk weatherstripping cracks, I've left the weatherstripping unglued. I take it out after washing, get the channels and weather stripping good and dry and reinstall. I do not worry about rust forming in the weatherstripping channel. Not much trouble.

You do realize that there are open weld seams here and there in that channel, right?

Off the top of my head, at least 4.

Gluing in the weatherstrip is part of the sealing process.

Nothing worse than wet pussy.

[MUSLCAH]

Originally Posted by gokitty

"Kitty' gets wet when I wash her. That's about it. Rather than have water collect in the trunk weatherstripping cracks, I've left the weatherstripping unglued. I take it out after washing, get the channels and weather stripping good and dry and reinstall. I do not worry about rust forming in the weatherstripping channel. Not much trouble.

That has to be a pain in the anus....everytime it gets wet. Your not going to do any harm...laying a good sized bead of black 3M weatherstrip adhesive ,ALL around the channel...then install the rubbah.

[pilot737]

Originally Posted by OG68

Like Chief said and make sure the weatherstrip is oriented correctly.

Thanks Ed, that's a great picture showing the orientation of the strip.

[pilot737]

Thanks Chief. Now on to some install questions. Do you start with one end of the strip, lay down adhesive for 12 inches, then tuck in the strip over that section, then move on? Or do you lay down adhesive around the entire track, then install the strip?

Also, my strip is already installed, so I'm not sure if when new, it's a little longer and you cut the excess after you've installed around the entire lip? I'm concerned I may not stretch tight enough and get to the end a be one inch short.

Or I suppose I could lay it all in, then go around lifting a few inches at a time to apply the adhesive.

[Chief of the 60's]

You shouldn't be stretching it at all. It will only shrink down over time and create all kinds of headaches.

[MUSLCAH]

Originally Posted by Chief of the 60's

You shouldn't be stretching it at all. It will only shrink down over time and create all kinds of headaches.

Lay the bead of adhesive in the channel..one continuous bead...start install in the center of the tail light panel...and move your way around....do not stretch.

[gtospieg]

Jeff Hamlin....thanks for the comparison of the available weatherstrip....but which of these is actually "correct"? Thanks

[242177P]

Should have plenty to work with. I trimmed mine slightly long at the joint, still had a three or four inch chunk left over. You could always dry fit it first it if you're worried?

[pilot737]

Originally Posted by 242177P

Should have plenty to work with. I trimmed mine slightly long at the joint, still had a three or four inch chunk left over. You could always dry fit it first it if you're worried?

Well, unfortunately, my piece was already installed (backwards; seam at the front) by the previous owner. And it looks kinda tight around the front (window side) corners. I will remove the rubber and do a 'dry run' as you suggested. I have a feeling I will end up with a gap at the seam. But if I do, I'll just order a new one and start over.

[Greg Reid]

The length of the seal shouldn't change just because you rotate it 180 degrees. If it fits now, it'll fit when you turn it.
As for which one is correct, I'd say the one that keeps the water out!

[pilot737]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

The length of the seal shouldn't change just because you rotate it 180 degrees. If it fits now, it'll fit when you turn it.
As for which one is correct, I'd say the one that keeps the water out!

I mentioned in a previous post the current rubber is stretched tight around a couple corners... and when I reinstalled correctly (dry run, and not too tight) there's a one-inch gap at the seam. I'll need to order a new one.

[Jeff Hamlin]

If you are interested I still have the Steel seal with only 1" cut off for my comparison.

Cover shipping and it's yours.

[pilot737]

Sounds good, thanks Jeff! I'll send you a PM.

[Jeff Hamlin]

It's on the way.

Cheers!