CE Hatch Weatherstripping

I recently purchased new weatherstripping for the rear hatch on my 82CE. Any tips on replacing it?

Thanks,
Paul

Paul:

I will throw my two cents in on this one. I replaced this weatherstripping a couple of years ago. When I received it I expected the striping to be a solid piece of rubber. It is actually hollow and flat as you probably know. The reason I had replaced the existing weatherstripping was not because it was deteriorated but that it failed to keep the rain out. I figured the stripping was too flat and had lost it's shape??? Anyway I proceeded to install it alone and succeeded. I strongly recommend having someone help you during the application of the adhesive and actual installation. After the installation and the first time I was caught in the rain the same leak problem occurred again. I decided then to retract the locking posts on the rear window in an attempt to lock the glass firmer down against the weatherstripping. I now think this step was not a good idea. I still have the leak because the water cradles on the exterior side of the weatherstripping and eventually leaks onto the rear window shelf. I think that once the weatherstripping is installed, the rear window when closed, should only touch the weatherstripping enough to make contact thus creating a raintight seal. Please let me know the results of the install and if you encountered any other problems. Good Luck!

Mike

Mike,

I appreciate the response. My weatherstripping is definitely deteriorated and needs replacing. Did you replace your weatherstripping without removing the hatch? Also, any tips on getting the old weatherstripping out? It looks like just digging it out with a screw driver is the only way.

Thanks again,
Paul

Use a heat gun, hair dryers are a bit whimpy but can work, heat the strip as you slowly pull it out. You may need to work it a bit with something. You can use a screwdriver, but a body shop supply has plastic scrapers that run less chance of scratching something. These are ofter used for windsheilds, but work well here.

Ken Styer

Paul:

You can replace the weatherstripping while leaving the glass hatch in-place. This is another example where a second pair of hands is very helpful.
As far as removing the remnants of the existing weatherstripping and adhesive I used a rag, elbow grease and some adhesive remover. I did not want to risk scraping and scratch the painter surface underneath. Vendors do sell a spray-on release agent which assists in the removal while not harming the paint. Also, there are two colors of adhesive you can use...black and yellow. If you are concerned about being original I have read that the yellow is the adhesive used in the factory.
Anyway, good luck awhen your finished could you take a close-up if the weatherstriping and email the photo to mccumm@comcast.net. I would like to see how yours turned out.

Thanks,

Mike

|UPDATED|1/13/2004 7:48:30 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Mike,

Really appreciate the tips. I will email the before picture soon. My plan is to replace the old weatherstripping the first of February.

Paul

Paul:

Did you ever get to replacing the weatherstripping yet? If so, how did it turn out.....pics?

Mike

Mike,

I completed the installation last weekend. I will send pictures when I get a chance to download them from my camera.

I got a friend to help as you suggested. Without the second pair of hands it would have beed very difficult to do. My main problem area was getting the hatch window to seal at the top. I was able to slide the weatherstripping slightly lower in the body cavity at the roof line to make it seal. I used a liquid weatherstrip glue remover to remove old glue and for clean up with the new glue. The liquid remover does not effect the paint finish.

I used black weatherstrip glue instead of the factory yellow knowing that I would probably have visable glue somewhere. Turned out that it would have been very difficult not to have the yellow glue visable. I also spread a fine film of grease the I use to lubricate my pool pump o-rings and valves on the weatherstripping. It's called Magic Lube and is water resistant. You should be able to buy this type of grease at any swimming pool supply store. You may want to try the grease to seal your window.

Paul