1971 Convertible deck lid and other questions

[Charles P.]

This has to do with a 1971 convertible but I suppose the deck lid would be unchanged from at least 1970. The deck lid does not sit flush to the rear clip mostly along the entire rear most edge. The front where it locks into the recivers is ok. Net result is an uneven transition from rear clip to the lid.
Is there an adjustment point somewhere at where it hinges? If the hinge could be dropped a bit it might fit better? Also the gasket is hollow rubber and not foam rubber. Could this be giving it added lift/wedge it does not need?

Second question. How common are headlight washers on a 1971?

Thanks

[Michael G.]

Re: 1971 Convertible deck lid and other questions

Charles, you don't state if w/s has been installed however if this is the case and is new, there will some resistance until w/s relaxes. Dependent on who's w/s was used could also be a case of being too firm and will cause the decklid to sit higher than the deck. If new w/s was installed...which or what brand?

[Jack H.]

Re: 1971 Convertible deck lid and other questions

Shims were used or the rear deck lid hinge (as required) to obtain proper spacing/fit to the rear clip. As said, when new weather stripping is installed, you can pretty much expect the parting line to 'bluge' up toward the middle of the deck lid until the weather strip takes a 'set'.

Per a hint from John Hinckley, the factory used a 'trick' borrowed from Fisher Body to speed the weatherstrip deformation or 'learning' process. This amounted to pre-heating the rubber just before it was installed and then slamming the door/lid shut so it would readily compress...

[Charles P.]

Re: 1971 Convertible deck lid and other questions

Both good observations. The weatherstrip has been on the car at least 10 years but is still very resistant to give. I don't think it is original and may have been an inferior repro brand. Brand X? I suppose the cheapest thing would be to take it off and replace it with something with a bit more give and heating it wouldn't be a bad idea.

[John H.]

Re: 1971 Convertible deck lid and other questions

Both good observations. The weatherstrip has been on the car at least 10 years but is still very resistant to give. I don't think it is original and may have been an inferior repro brand. Brand X? I suppose the cheapest thing would be to take it off and replace it with something with a bit more give and heating it wouldn't be a bad idea.

Charles -

Before you do that, try this. Where the hinge bolts to the lid, loosen the bolts and insert a shim between the hinge and the lid at the forward-most attachment on each side and re-tighten the bolts. This will effectively lower the hinge point and lower the rear edge of the lid relative to the rear deck. Unless the weatherstrip is hard as a rock, this works.