Weather strip?

[RustyRed]

Anybody have any experience with trunk weather strip in a Trans Am?

Basically, there is a channel that surrounds the trunk that the weather strip runs in.

The directions for the 3M adhesive says to put it on both parts to be bonded, let it cure a few minutes then stick them together.

I see 3M getting everywhere if I put it on the piece of weather strip then try to install it. Unless I take the time to install it maybe six inches to a foot at a time which seems like a pita.

Wondering if I can just put the 3M in the channel, let it cure then stick the piece of weather strip in....

 

[Horseplay]

It's a contact cement type adhesive. It has to go on both parts. No different than gluing the stuff on a mustang door, etc. Take your time and is no big deal. A lot easier if you lay the deck lid across a couple saw horses rather than trying to do it while installed on the car.

 

[guruatbol]

Once it cures it will not run all over the place. The trick is to make sure it is still sticky, not dry. Just like laminating linoleum you have to coat both parts and let is cure a bit. It should be tacky, but not dry.

Mel

 

[RustyRed]

It installs on the car body side so taking the deck lid off isn't an option...wish it was.

Wondering if my best bet won't be to do it in sections...the entire strip is long enough to go around the whole trunk and the chances of putting weather strip adhesive on the whole thing and not rubbing it on the paint are pretty slim so might try to break it down and do a little at a time. All I could come up with anyway

 

[guruatbol]

Once the glue dries to a tacky state it is fairly easy to handle. I have found in the past on long or large pieces, it is useful to buy a beer for a neighbor and get a second set of hands on it.

Otherwise you should be able to do 1/2 at a time. Make the area where you apply the second part in a high spot so you don't get a leak there.

I think on the GM stuff of that era there is a split on the weather strip and it slides over a lip on the base of the trunk. Did I articulate that right?

Mel

 

[Sluggo]

If I remember correctly, the strip has to be wedged into the gutter. Honestly, It's been too long for me to remember the procedure. I'd do it in short increments.

 

[RustyRed]

You've go the right idea Mel...there is a lip on the metal that kind of curves back under a little and the weather strip is made to fit into that lip.

I was contemplating doing the bottom part, then doing one side, then the top, then the last side. Means I have to stand there holding the darn thing for 5 to 10 minutes per part but not the end of the world...maybe I can recruit the twins to hold it for me, LOL!

 

[guruatbol]

Use tape to hold each section as you move to the next. With two people I did a buick regal long time ago all at one time.

Mel

 

[stangg]

You've go the right idea Mel...there is a lip on the metal that kind of curves back under a little and the weather strip is made to fit into that lip.

I was contemplating doing the bottom part, then doing one side, then the top, then the last side. Means I have to stand there holding the darn thing for 5 to 10 minutes per part but not the end of the world...maybe I can recruit the twins to hold it for me, LOL!

IIRC, you usually want the joint right over the center of the bottom part...
How about marking the center of the W/S, and also mark the center of the top rail... Apply adhesive to car, and then apply it to the entire W/S. Have your twins each grab and end while you align the center and then you just work it right around one side at a time while the take up the slack. Tape some paper to the quarters just incase they drop it...