CNJ Surveyor

I am currently working on replacing the weatherstripping on my '94. I removed the old hatch weatherstripping, that was separated into 4 pieces. There is a yellowish colored goop under the old weatherstripping. I thought there would be black dried glue underneath if any from other pictures I have seen. Is this something that someone threw on to make it stay? I think I am going to remove the goop (I am calling it that since it is has the texture of thick grease) completely and then install the new weatherstrip. Any thoughts?




And what is left of the old weatherstripping:

PDQUIK95

That is a lithium based grease from the factory. I cleaned most of the excess off prior to installing the new weather strip but did reuse a little of it directly in the new weatherstrip groove to help it slide into position better when fitting and adjusting the weatherstrip in the corners. If you install it dry, it will make it harder to slide and adjust.
Rick

JrRifleCoach

Clean it all off. The new seal will fit fine.
Remember to coat the new seal with your favorite protectant to avoid tearing the fresh rubber when the hatch is closed for the first time.

CNJ Surveyor

Thank you for the replies. I think I will clean it entirely off so I can clean the dirt out of the area easier too. If I need some grease to slide it on, I can always use some new stuff. I guess any would work. I was going to coat the new weatherstripping in dielectric grease. I thought that was the suggested protectant?

truggiero19

I also cleaned off all of that goop. It was a mess and difficult to get all of it off but the new piece clipped right on and seals great without any of it. If only the piece around the windshield was as easy as the rear hatch...

vittal

I started putting on mine in the corners and then stretched it to fit there was no need for any lubrication.

eutu1984

Here's a video that might help.

CNJ Surveyor

Yes, I did the requisite youtube video search before I started the hatch weatherstripping and was following that video. That vette had no grease under the weatherstrip, maybe because it was an earlier model?

truggiero19

The guy in the video probably cleaned off all the grease before making the video just to make the video shorter. That's the same video I followed as well.

Old Ben

Same one I used.

MikeIz 82VETTE

How much is the hatch seal? thanks

Steve59

On my 87, I left that goop on. Once you get the rubber seal on, you can't see it or touch it. I figured GM must have had a reason for putting it on. Also, there is an old thread here that stated it was part of the original seal installation process and should be left on. Your choice.

GKK

I left the goop on also, since there is no reason too, remove it.

truggiero19

^ Weight reduction

JrRifleCoach

I used a liberal application of Armor-All on the seal and the glass.
Especially on the halo section that is in a shear load when the hatch closes.

65Z01

I just ordered:
1 x Weatherstrip, Rear Hatch 84-96 (X2172) = $80.99
from Wilcox as I'm tired of washing the inside on my hatch every time I pressure wash my '88...

I've used their WS on my prior '88 and was very pleased with the result, good quality product and lasted >8yrs till the car was hit and disposed of.

CNJ Surveyor

Finished my hatch weatherstripping today! Well, it wasn't as easy as the video showed, but I got it done. I still have all the rest of the weatherstrip to do at some point. I bought the full kit at Corvettes at Carlisle this past Summer from Corvette America and am just getting to it now. The kit seemed to be pretty good quality. I am not sure what it cost, but I know it was a good deal at Carlisle. I am sure I will post some more threads as I do other areas. Here is the finished photo:

LT4 F45

Funny, I installed one on a friend 95 last summer that is dark red on black just as your 94...

65Z01

Looks very nice; the hatch a bit "tighter" when closing it??

BTW, what kind of "differences" from the vid did you encounter??

CNJ Surveyor

The hatch is much tighter now with new strip on, I assume it will get easier as the weather stripping gets smooshed into place. I decided to use original armor all on the weatherstrip instead of the di-electric grease. Also, I only cleaned off enough of the lithium grease around the lip to get the dirt off. I washed the car as well today, and no leaks so far.
As far as differences between my experience and the video: