Problem with Avanti rear window seal

[edpjr]

I just had my '63 repainted. The front windshield seal replacement fit perfectly. However, the rubber for the rear window seems to be about 8-10" too long. It's part #3260X1, and I got it from a reputable Studebaker vendor. Thinking it may have been mis-labeled, I had another one overnited to me, but it's exactly the same. The guys at the body shop are consummate professionals and have worked on many fibreglass Corvettes. They say they can cut the rubber gasket to fit and effectively seal it up. However, I'm wondering what the heck is going on here? Anybody got a clue? Thanks! [V]

[bige]

It should fit tightly. I had to go to 3 different vendors to get a seal that worked when I did my car. If they can cut it and make it work let them. SASCO had the one that worked perfectly but that was 7 years ago. 1st one was from the defunct Expressly Avanti it was a seal that wasn't attached at the ends and I couldn't get it to stay on the glass, the second was from Nostalgic, it stayed on the glass because it was joined at the ends and wrapped around the glass snugly but when the glass was in it wasn't wide enough and wouldn't seal. The 3rd one from SASCO was just right. It fit tightly on the glass, right thickness, zip-zip done.

ErnieR


On its way to a 15.097 Island Dragway Great Meadows NJ Spring 2006.

[WCP]

I've put several in without problems but when I came to install my last one (my own car), the seal that I had for several years was glued at the joint and very tight going on to the glass. The joint came apart by the time I had the trim inserted. Ordered a new "vulcanized joint" one from SI. It fit the glass OK but a bit on the loose side. The seal should stretch some in going around the glass. However when I pulled the seal into position during installation, the right upper corner portion of the seal popped off the glass and I had a dickens of a job getting the glass and seal down into an acceptable position. At that point with sealant all around the fence, there was no way I was going to remove the window and start over. It worked out and the window is well sealed. I know some install these windows without sealant, and that is OK if you never drive in the rain or the car is a "closed trailer queen". If your seal is as loose as you say, or even as loose as mine, I would call the vendor and send it back. That is the only way that the vendor can work with the supplier to correct the fit. I do not like glued joints as they will tend to separate as the rubber ages and shrinks. BTW, place the joint of the seal at the lower right corner of the window. That location puts the least stress on the seal and is bridged by the stainless trim.