Hi guys, looking for suggestions on a good company to purchase door and trunk gasket from to redo my 1972 442 coupe? I've been told that it can be hit n miss, depending on the model of car from company to company. I tried to buy a cheaper brand last year, and my trunk is leaking as if I had no seal on it. And yes I did install the seal in the correct orientation!!! Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, this is my first attempt to post a thread!

 

Steele Rubber.

 

Not sure one brand is better than another. All of the repops are terrible. I do have a Metro trunk weatherstrip that I am happy with. At first it was hard to shut but after it has been closed for the past 3 months it closes like a new car. As for leaks on the trunk weatherstrip. You may have somebody shut the trunk lid with you inside. You will be able to see the light where it is leaking. I had to use a rubber hammer to smack those areas of the trunk opening from the bottom side to close up the gaps. You don't have to hit it hard but make sure the trunk is open when you do it. All the door weatherstrip sucks. I have Metro there also. It took me forever to get it right and also had to use cardboard folded in spots with the door closed to get it to form correct. After a month with the doors closed with the cardboard in cretin areas and adjusting it all along, it finely took shape to where I liked it. I think the Metro Roof rail weatherstrip SUCKS!

 

There's an easier way. Tear strips of newsprint about 1" wide (you kids do remember newspapers, don't you?). Arrange the strips around the trunklid opening over the weatherstrip and close the trunk on them. If the weatherstrip is sealing properly, you will not be able to pull them out. This will show where the seal is not making adequate contact.

 

We also call that the Dollar Bill test...use it on commercial freezer & refrigerator door seals all the time. Easy because nearly everyone has a dollar bill in their pocket...

Brett

 

I suspect that a dollar bill is a little thicker than newsprint, however.

 

True, a few microns shouldn't matter though, with the 'bill if you feel resistance you know there is enough crush, and it won't tear as easily. In 'reefers & freezers any condensation will negate the use of newsprint...

Brett