Curved rubber strip from wheel well?

[eastsidebimmer]

In the FS Forum right now there is a nice 71 with a trunk shot showing this curved rubber strip. My 71 1600 also had this flopping about when I bought it but I'm not sure what it's purpose actually is or where it should be installed. My 68 didn't have this and I don't have any expereice with later cars beyond 71--Any thoughts?

[Napes]

I think it was to keep dirty socks out of the spare tire well :-)

Bob Napier

[wegweiser]

Post a photo of the cross-section of the rubber strip? Doesn't look like anything I've ever seen installed on an 02. Maybe someone will have the answer and I'll learn something...but it doesn't look 2002 to me.

I've found pot seeds in nearly all my 02s...but I don't think they were installed at the factory. ;-)

[eastsidebimmer]

Here is a profile pic of the strip.

Seems to fit the contour of the gap between the spare tire and wheel well as shown here, but what's the purpose? Strange that two 71s would both have this.

[roadhog0]

Probably so the tire wouldnt squeek on the panel.

[Henning]

Hi boys,

not too bad, the idea with the socks or gap-filling, but the real purpose is at the front number plate.

yep

[eastsidebimmer]

Hi boys,

not too bad, the idea with the socks or gap-filling, but the real purpose is at the front number plate.

yep

And the Winner is Henning! I've been wondering what this hunk of rubber was for three years! Thanks!