Hi this is William Evans and have taken out the rear window in my 71 cutlass S because it leaked. I have bought a new shelf and original parts group does not have the shelf in the color that I need so I bought one that is as close as possible. I was wandering whether I should take a piece of the old vinyl and match it so that i could paint the new one or if i should just leave it alone

 

Totally up to you since it's your car. Most of us would color match the parcel shelf to the color of the interior though. Instead of paint, use a dye. It lasts longer and penetrates the fibre of the cloth almost completely. The rear window leak you're talking about is a common problem. Make sure you get any rust issues fixed before you put the new one in. Its also easier to put in the parcel shelf while you've got the back glass out. Who did you buy the parcel shelf from? Most of the aftermarket parcel shelves (trays) come in pretty close to the right colors. Don't forget that your interior may be faded from the sun. And probably in no time it will start fading the new parcel shelf too. If this is a daily driver, I wouldn't be too concerned.

 

I bought the shelf form Original parts group and the only part that looks like it is painted. I would also like to know what the black stuff that is stuck to the side of the interior in between the metal and the interior. Also if anybody could tell me what the black sealer is that is on the seams of the floor.

 

was always called dum dum at the detail shop I worked at. Probably not the correct name, but it was used to seal air leaks and hold the paper/plastic sheeting in place in between the sheet metal and the door/interior panels. If you go to an auto body supply store with the stuff or at least tell them what it is they should be able to hook you up. Stuff on the floor might be seam sealer, or possibly tar. Thought to know without seeing it or the car. I know I dug some gooie schmutz out of the cowl area on my 68 that was unlike anything I have ever seen before, but it looked like it had either been there a long time, or was original. Hard to say though without having been there, or seeing one that was truly unmolested.

 

thanks alot for the info that you have given me

 

what did you put in place of the stuff on the floor or the cowl if you took it out

 

You can probably use some DAP Black, Polyurethane Waterproof Roof and Flashing Sealant. It will work well, skin over and its supposed to be good for 50 years. Its also going to be covered over and you wont see it. I believe its also paintable.

 

I end up parting the car...never replaced the stuff. No time or money for toys right now.