Hatch Seal Replacement
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: New York
Hatch Seal Replacement
'85: there are some write-ups on the seal, but I have yet to find a description for replacing it. It's all mangled at the base of the latch and I have water coming in. Figured I'd start there. I see mention disconnecting the struts and proping the hatch up. Evidently there is a need for height to access it at the top. Is that the only issue? Anybody done this?
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From: Florida
I have replaced mine without removing anything. Just removed the old and carefully put the new one on. There was some white stuff in the new seal which seems to be some sort of sealant and I did not use any glue.
I had a shop do the seal on my old car and they glued it. It always looked crooked and leaked more then theone they replaced. The one I put on has not leaked a drop in a year.
I had a shop do the seal on my old car and they glued it. It always looked crooked and leaked more then theone they replaced. The one I put on has not leaked a drop in a year.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Carlisle, Ontario, Canada
Steve, I am replacing mine today. I was planning to do it yesterday, but the Christmas lights went on until 1am. 
I would recommend that you put some silicone (or the like) at the bottom corners of the seal. From the bottom corners, and about 6 inches out. Water can pool at this point on the outside of the hatch seal.
Cheers,
Michael
I would recommend that you put some silicone (or the like) at the bottom corners of the seal. From the bottom corners, and about 6 inches out. Water can pool at this point on the outside of the hatch seal.
Cheers,
Michael
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Orange, Cal
I need to do the door seals on another car, so I plan to use it to test drive a local body shop. Its the sort of thing where previous experience etc. should make for better results, as long as the person cares about doing a good job. I know of a couple local shops that stand behind their work 100%, so its easy for me to trade cost for confidence.
