nitehawk951

So I've been replacing many rubber seals lately on my 86 N/A because its been raining so much. I found a leak from the rear hatch seal that is part of the body of the car itself. It just arrived and I'm trying to install it but ran into a problem.

The rubber seal arrived as a complete part, and not cut at one point like the rubber part I'd removed from the body. There are two sets of wires on the A-pillar leading to the hatch itself that are in my way (the third-eye brake light and rear wiper wires). I don't think it can be installed as an intact part without being cut at one point. Has anyone done this before?

So do I cut it at the proper area with a razor blade or do I need to try to disconnect those wires somehow? Any input would help. I know, it's so simple but I thought I'd ask.

It's getting dark so hurry!
Thanks in advance!

HICKS

Just did mine, and you dont need to disconnect, or cut anything.

nitehawk951

How did you get around the problem with the wires then? It would be easy if it was an 84' without a rear wiper option.

HICKS

I have no clue what you're talking about, wish I had my car here so I could go look. Is this on you 86 or 88? Have a pic? The one I did was on my 86 and I didnt have any wire issues.

HICKS

I think I know what you mean now. Talking about the top drivers side? You have to run the seal under the wires.

nitehawk951

You're thinking about the correct area but I believe you'd see the problem if it was physically in front of you. Here's a pic I hope it helps. Thanks for your help.

HICKS

Start with one end of the hatch seal centered with the hatch lock, when you get to that part (with the wires) put the seal under the wire, dont cut it there. Then run the rest of the seal around. Make sure its tight on the body in the corners, and the seams are centered with the hatch lock.

IGROWL

nitehawk - You have to cut the seal as I learned today after I put my new seal on that it is about 4 inches too long. I put the seal all the way around and was going to leave the wire area for last as you can get into the body cavity and disconnect the wire but it is a pain in the a$$. I was so happy that I didn't have to fish that wire out and cutting the seal saved the day.

nitehawk951

Thank you so much guys. The verdict is in. That **** is getting chopped as you read this. Have a great weekend guys.

HICKS

Why would you have to cut the seal? There is no reason to, unless it to long. Please explain, because I dont see the reason you would have to cut the seal in the pic he posted.

Please post a pic after you cut it. Or Sands, if you can post a pic of where you cut it.

flightline

I believe he's saying that the seal he recieved is a complete loop.

IGROWL

Mine was too long so it had to be cut. You can not put the seal on and have a complete seal with the glass unless you fish the seal behind the wire or get into the body cavity and disconnect the wire and move it to the other side of the seal. It would leak in that corner otherwise.

HICKS

Okay if the seal was one big loop that makes sense. Where did you guys buy the seal? I bought mine from the Porsche dealer and you join the ends together at the hatch lock because it was pre-formed.

IGROWL

Yes - when it came it was a complete loop unlike the one already on the car with about a 1 inch space back by the key area. That key area is also where the cut that I made today is but I do not have that 1 inch space anymore as I made the cut ends touch now. I heard the gap was for letting the air pressure out of the car when you shut the door. I don't see the need anymore.

HICKS

Well I get it now, I just assumed they were all cut. That's what I get for assuming. Where did you buy yours from Sands? The Porsche one, and OEM one on Pelican looks cut. The e-bay ones look like a loop.