Does anyone know where to purchase a hatch seal that fits properly and not like the one pictured below?

 

I got one off ebay but that justs looks like a install problem try streaching it down a bit what does the other side look like

 

I read somewhere to install the corners first

 

Other side split on the glass side and not the other side against the car. The corners are tucked in tight. The miters are cut wrong. This is the fourth one. A known problem several years ago. Just hoping they have corrected the problem by now.

 

Have you installed it yet?

 

Yes a works great just a bit tight closeing and really pops up but no leaks

 

I just installed the CRC brand from Willcox. It had a split on the glass side in one corner and the other corner sits like yours. I cut into the channel on that corner for a bit of clearance but it didn't seem to help. Also, I glued the split myself because Willcox said it's only a matter of time before a replacement will split. They said the manufacturer doesn't use strong enough glue in the corners. I sliced a piece of leather into the corner joint and used gorilla glue to bond the seam. It's hella strong but it dried hard so I lost a bit of flexibility there. All in all, the strip fit good and it's the good quality rubber, not like the foreign made foam type stuff. Good luck.

 

No gap in the corner?

there is a company steel rubber products that says fits like the original. Sent an inquiry as to the fit. waiting for a response.

 

Corners fit good...........they are not going tell you bad fit lol

 

[QUOTE=antfarmer2;they are not going tell you bad fit lol[/QUOTE]

LOL
I know thus the request. If I order and it doesn't fit right they'll get it right back.

 

Looked on ebay but they seem to be rolled over on the corners. The otherside split and I added a piece. When it split the side against the car didn't and the seal came out to the edge of the glass. Where on ebay did you get yours.

 

I will try and see but don't hold your breath it has been years

 

I was working out by Mid America Motorworks and popped in there the other day. I need one as well. He told me they ALL come from the same place. Some place in India is the only one who makes it. The corner is more rounded than pointed like the original one. They didn't have it in stock so i didn't pick it up while i was there. So just saying that could be some of the issue.

 

I just finished installing the rear hatch weatherstrip piece on my '87. I ordered it from a CF vendor but when it arrived, the box and the instructions were marked "Corvette America". I think that's pretty common for many vendors to get their inventory from another place.

The install was pretty straightforward and I did find this neat video from Mid-America that describes the install process.


Note in the video wher it shows a hidden screw for the side trim on the hatch area!! You have to remove the "halo" pillar lamps to get to them but the lamps are simply pried out with a screwdriver.

My weatherstrip piece did not have any adhesive in the channel nor did the instructions mention to use adhesive. The fit was tight enough to the point where I had to use a dowel and rubber mallet to tap the piece in place. I did start at the center points and worked to the 90 degree corner, but either way works.

One thing I also did was to replace both struts. Once the new weatherstrip piece was in, the hatch did not want to close and lock down. I had to loosen the lock assembly and raise it up as far as possible. The hatch glass will now close but still requires some effort to do. As the weatherstrip piece forms itself, the hatch should close easier.

The video also shows some silicone grease being applied to the weatherstripping surface. Guess that helps to keep the rubber from drying out. FWIW that specific 5 oz tube (silicone brake grease) shown costs $15.00 I'm using 303 Aerospace Protectorant instead...

 

Thanks

 

[QUOTE=WRTHW8;1589247656]. He told me they ALL come from the same place. Some place in India is the only one who makes it. QUOTE]

I was told the same but this place in texas makes their own seals. (maybe) I have a second email sent to him with pics. I'll let you know what they say.

 

[QUOTE=kenmohr;1589253980]Sounds good thanks!

 

It sound strange that you had to adjust the latch to get the hatch to close. You shouldn't had to do that. I would assume you removed all of the old weather stripping down to a thin lip that runs around the opening if not read on.

The previous owner of my 90 had replaced the weather strip for the rear hatch which had "Made in India" stamped on it. The issue I had when I purchase the car was the weather strip was loose and the trim didn't sit right although the hatch did close with a little force.

In searching for information I found that the original GM weather strip, in most cases, came off in two pieces. If after you had remove the rubber strip you had a black leather like braid running around the ledge that to has to come off also. Once I removed it (and the gluey stuff) the weather strip fit perfect and the trim around the sides and back then fit like it should.

 

A repair that I read about here on the forum for the corners...once they tear...and they will tear was to fill the tear or split with black RTV, place a piece of clear plastic food wrap over the area and then close the hatch and keep it closed for 24 hours so the RTV cures.
The repair looks better than the tear and will last for quite awhile, but is visable whenever the hatch is opened.

Just passing this along.

 

[QUOTE=kenmohr;1589253980]They say it will fit.
"Our product is 100% warranted, if it does not fit properly we will give you another seal or a refund. Thank you for your inquiry."