are the rear 1/4 window rubber gaskets supposed to be cut

[jerry]

to fit? i got one side installed and i literally had to scrunch it up to make it fit the entire length. unfortunately, this created some curling of the weatherstripping which i fear will allow moisture in.

can i expect this rubber seal to shrink when it hits the sunlight after a while?

i have seen gaps in this weatherstripping on older cars which i'm sure lead to the dreaded rust streaks where the water hits the trim rivets.

the other side, btw, seems about an inch longer than needed.

[DukeRimmer]

I've never had to cut, but replacement part quality has been declining since the eighties. New rubber always shrinks, so keep it as long as possible. Don't be tempted by stainless steel rivets. Good luck.

[Guest Anonymous]

Yes....but:

I seem to recall trimming about 2 inches (!) from them a few years ago...maybe one inch...can't remember.

Here's the important thing:

Rubber seals WILL shrink a bit. I make sure to cut any new rubber seal (when required on ANY car I'm restoring) a little bit long - to allow for shrinkage. I'd keep that in mind when fitting. Your mileage may vary...

fun to install, too - yes? My hands hurt just THINKING about that job.

Paul

[jerry]

[quote name="

fun to install' date=' too - yes? My hands hurt just THINKING about that job.

Paul[/quote]

you know, i dreaded this job because of the memory i had of it when i last did it a dozen years ago, however, i tried a new technique and it wasn't bad at all.

first thing i did was to remove the vinyl u-channel trim along the headliner. i started at the bottom of the c-pillar and wedged the rubber edge under the metal lip. i had both a bamboo paint stirrer and metal spatula to coax any stubborn section, but it really did go in the channel fairly easy.

on the first gasket i used glycerine to ease the installation but did not use it on the second one and it went in just fine.

i haven't cut to fit and the curling of the gasket looks terrible. i might take a half inch off or so.

[ibjettin]

Jerry - I had to trim mine to fit.