C2 convertible deck lid weatherstrip

[Philip Whitaker Member# 2024]

I just finished mounting my decklid with the new weatherstrip installed. The weatherstrip makes the lid buldge up in the center at the rear. I can't remember where I purchased the weatherstrip but it had a made in Canada sticker on it, the GM part number in white ink, and the ends near the doors are open and hollow. (unlike the original which is solid foam on the ends)Is there a way to make this weatherstrip compress so that the decklid will fit flush with the rear of the car in the back? Or would someone please tell me if there is a better fitting decklid weatherstrip available.

Thanks, Phil

[Geoff C.]

[Joe C.]

Re: C2 convertible deck lid weatherstrip

I use "Corvette Rubber" weatherstrips. I find that they are excessive at first, but after awhile they "take a set" and compress somewhat. Why not wait awhile before condemning them altogether.
I would rather have them too thick, than too thin. At least you know that they are insuring a positive seal, if they are installed correctly.

Joe

[Philip Whitaker Member# 2024]

Re: C2 convertible deck lid weatherstrip

Thanks Joe,

I've already removed the Canadian made weatherstrip. At the center style line the decklid sat about 3/8 inch too high. I even sat my 205 pound person on the decklid right at the rear and was barely able to make the surfaces mate flush. All looks great without the weatherstrip. I am going to order some USA made weatherstrip today. I know what you mean about new weatherstrips being a little puffy and needing to set in, but that would never have occured with this weatherstrip. I'll probably give the Corvette Rubber Company a call this morning.

I went through similar frustration when I used GM weatherstriping restoring a 1958 Corvette about 23 years ago. But most of that weatherstrip was solid foam and I used a grinder to remove some of the material on the back side of the weatherstrip. This decklid weatherstrip is hollow like the original but apears to be a much thicker material.

Joe, was the weatherstrip that you purchased from Corvette Rubber Company for your deck lid open and hollowed out on the ends or was it solid like the original. Also, how far up does your decklid sit with the new Corvette Rubber Company weatherstrip?

Thanks again, Phil

[Joe C.]

Re: C2 convertible deck lid weatherstrip

Philip:

I just read your profile, so I trust that the car in question is your 1964. I have installed these weatherstrips on many cars, but the car that I am most familiar with is my 1965 convertible. I have juggered all of the body lines much straighter and tighter than original tolerances. As far as the rear decklid is concerned, yes, I was able to achieve a perfectly flush fit by tweaking the deck lid hinge shims. This may be considered "over restoration", but, so be it.
The rear deck weatherstrip, from "Corvette Rubber" is obviously hollow (tactile observation only). The ends terminate facing inboard, with a solid, moulded end.
If you would like a picture of the ends, please indicate.

Joe

[Philip Whitaker Member# 2024]

Thanks Geoffrey and Joe

I've gone ahead and ordered new weatherstriping from Corvette Rubber Company. Hopefully it will be more supple than the one that I removed this morning.

Regards, Phil

[Grant M.]

Re: Thanks Geoffrey and Joe

For what it's worth,

I installed the "made in Canada" weatherstrip purchased from Piper's in 1987 (it didn't have hollow or open ends as described--it was identical to the original (worn out) weatherstrip that was on my 65 when I bought it). Yes, it was firm and did make the decklid stand-up from the rear panel, but only for a while. I can't tell you exactly how long it took, but over time, as I had been told to expect, the deck lid sat flush as it does today and the seal has always been very good.

grant

[John H.]

Re: Thanks Geoffrey and Joe

The original convertible deck lid weatherstrip installation at St. Louis/A.O. Smith did the same thing until the weatherstrip "settled" in compression; that's why there's a note on the body checking sheet in the A.I.M. (UPC 11/13, Sheet B8) that reads:

"NOTE: Elevation of peak line of folding top compartment lid of .12 to .15 inches above rear upper panel surface due to weatherstrip pressure at assembly is acceptable. This condition will correct itself and peak line will settle flush +/- .06" after weatherstrip takes permanent set".