I'm trying to install these guys on the doors but can't get them in. I've tried pushing a punch through the hole in the center, wiggling them etc. to no avail. The same with the hood wedges. What do I need to know?
thanks,Steve

Any idea where this one goes?

 

Use spray silicone or another lubricant liberally on the rubber part before installing. From there, I usually work them in carefully with a small pick or screwdriver.

 

I'll give it a try, thanks
Steve

 

As others mentioned, silicon spray helps. As does a little heat.

 

Vaseline or liquid dish soap works well also.

 

Don't use Vaseline or petroleum based lubricants. They will deteriorate the rubber over time. Silicone grease is your best bet. I've just recently installed a similar bumper on my 62, and I had to "encourage" those tapered retainer ***** into the holes with a small flat-blade screwdriver. Letting the rubber heat up in the sun and soften also helps.

 

In case the sun isn't shining (even if it is), I like to boil a small pan of water, remove the water from the stove and drop those little buggers into the hot water - they'll shrink up admirably. Rubber is peculiar to a degree - it shrinks when heated, expands when cold (as the result of the polymer chains relaxing and becoming elongated).

 

I had some white silicone grease and worked them in. Very interesting the shrinking effect hot water has on rubber. thanks to all for the help. I know I'm getting old, I just don't want to be old and stupid! Which is how I feel with questions like that one.
Steve