I need to replace the rear hatch seal on my 96 coupe. I'm sure there is probably a thead or two on this subject somewhere in the forum but I have been getting a notice saying "The discussion forums are closed for a short while" for the past couple of days.

Therefore, I am posting a new thread in hopes of getting several questions answered before I start.
1. The existing seal is split in the lower corners. It appears that someone before me tried to glue it at these points. In addition the part of the seal that is for the lower part of the hatch glass, is just lying in the track, it has apparently separated from the part that attached it to the vehicle. The new seal that I have purchased has reinforced corners and has a molded "V" that is made from a harder material than the rest of the seal. This "V" extends the perimiter of the new part. I am assuming there is a channel in the frame of the hatch that this "V" snaps into. Is this correct? If so, how do I get the old "V' pieces out?
2. The also appears to be a yellowish greasy material in the corners and in the area of where the seal has separated from it's atacment piece. What is this material and do I need to clean it out before I install the new seal?
3. Do I need to remove the inside trim pieces from around the hatch before removing or installing the seal?
4. It appears I will need to disconnect the hatch struts to get the new seal in place. Whats the best way to do this? One at a time? How do I physically disconnect them?
5. Are there any special tricks or tips on how to install the new seal without damaging it?
6. Is any type of sealant used?

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions to this novice to working on Corvettes Thanks in advance for any help.
Larry

 

I replaced my "91" Vette's hatch weather strip about a year ago with a GM replacement part and it was a straight forward install with no problems.

The yellowish grease is the factory sealant which I didn't clean off. I just removed the old weatherstrip and pushed in the new weatherstrip starting from the top and working down, making sure the sides were even.

Remove the lower pivot point (on the interior not the glass) on the hatch struts one at a time by prying up on the flat metal clip with a little flat blade screwdriver and pull the strut away from the pivot ball.

I removed one lower strut at a time and quickly re-attached the strut after manuvering the weatherstrip around the strut.

Several rainstorms later and never a leak.