Finding replacement tailgate seals can be impossible. Here's what I did: I cleaned off the old seal, made a form out of bamboo stir sticks from the paint store (bamboo works better for lack of porous grain and smooth texture) where the seal had blems and wear. Poured Performix liquid tape on and in the blems and cracks using their can and brush version. After it cured, I coated the entire seal with the same product but using the aerosol version. Looks presentable and flexible like new. BAM!
Marty until I read this I thought those were new seals. You need to start a build thread, explain it more, and show the products used. On a few of my cars I used a tube of some sort of black silicone to fill in small cracks and cut out areas. I already forgot what I used it's been so long ago. Sometimes the rubber is still decent and just needs help, like yours. Also do we have to go to China for bamboo stir sticks?
Your funny. I got mine at Wesco Auto Body Supply. I'm sure they are cheaper than buying American and the idea of not putting something in your paint that can turn to pulp is a pretty good idea. We need a Bitch and Moan thread. I have several. One is not being able to find the right size screws. #8 are too small and #10 are too big. Who makes a #9 besides the Beattles?
I'm afraid you're screwed! We need a Bitch and Moan thread. I have several. You might try here to bitch and moan. Post ALMOST anything you want thread
X2 on the thread request. Sometimes these seals just need a little help. Looks like you found the medicine for that.
My seal was in pretty good shape but a couple of gouges where the hinges dug in to the seal and a couple of stress cracks from age. The bamboo was just an afterthought. Plastic would work, anything that would allow the liquid tape to peel or be lifted off. All I'm doing is making form edges so when I apply the liquid tape it has a flat surface to stop running and set. I didn't try black silicone like ModelT1, I'm sure that would work but a lot more messy to work with. But I do think this liquid tape settles in to cracks and holes better that silicone, it's thinner so application can go on in even layers. After taking a close look at these pictures it looks like I need to take a couple more after fitting the rest of the trim on and cleaning up, everything else besides the rubber looks nasty. FYI: I contacted Steele Rubber to see if they were interested in copying mine for a mold and they told me they were two years out.
Silicone rubber in a tube. Sadly I can't remember what brand or even what type of black silicone rubber I used. I got mine at an Advanced Auto store and most places have it. Mine came in a large tube like tooth paste. Not messy at all and I just flowed it on, using my fingers and a popsicle stick to smooth and blend to the original rubber. Mostly I had small cracks and rips on the vent wings. I also used it on two full sized vans with shrunken rubber around the windows. In Florida many seams shrink and the silicone filled those and soon faded to look the same color as the original rubber.
Well I am liking this idea and I like how you went about it, ...... not using silicone! I put this thread link in my favorites for possible future use.... a week from now nobody will be able to find it using the 'search" feature. Way back I used some forgotten products to my shrinking brain, that worked for basically just what you have done and done with great outcome, that was then and this is now.... on a side note, I can't believe anybody is using silicone anymore for anything! Has been/is a out of date product IMO, cheap nasty re-sell quick and sloppy. does not stick to itself, sticks to some things only for a short time and then you are back to....use more but I won't stick to itself if cured. Cleanup to silicone over is a hassle, just a out of date product for home, car, what ever application that people are still fooled believing in....
