"Dad" > wrote in message
news
>
> "CardsFan" > wrote in message
> ...
>> OK, one of my Christmas wishes was granted and I got new weatherstrip for
>> the hatch. Any suggestions on the install? Seems to be fairly
>> straightforward from what I've been able to find online, but it never
>> hurts to hear from someone who's actually done it.
>>
>> AJM
>> '93 40th Anniversary coupe, 6 sp (both tops)
> I've done many doors and windows but not a C4 rear deck seal but I'm
> guessing that it is glued in place. The basics with any seal/weather strip
> is to start with clean surfaces. Mark the deck lid for center both front
> and rear on masking tape out of the glue area. Do the same with the seal
> but use chalk to mark the rubber, masking tape will sometimes pull the
> face of the seal off, not a good thing.
>
> Start at the top and glue down the first 1/4 of the length on one side,
> then do the other side. Check each time you glue it down to see if the
> centerline marks still line up and you're not developing to much slack or
> to little. If not correct by slowly pulling the offending part free enough
> to correct the centerlines by compressing or slightly stretching the seal.
>
> The seal can be held in place with masking tape that you have put another
> piece of tape on it glue to glue so that it has the back of the tape on
> the seal so it does not stick to the seal. Pressure point can be
> accomplished by cutting a piece off the old seal and putting it under the
> masking tape.
>
> Use the 3M adhesive in black or yellow for the best results.
>
> Good luck

Dad is exactly right. Ensure that the entire lip is clean, dry and free of
debris. C4's are notorious for collecting dirt and grime especially in the
corners. If you have any globs of remaining adhesive from previous
installation carefully remove with a putty knife. For the final prep use a
clean lint free cloth and some 70% isopropyl alcohol. Don't get ahead of
yourself or it will come back to haunt you at the end. If you have to
reposition lift straight up then push straight back down at the new
position. Do not attempt to pull or slide the seal. The 3M adhesive will
remain pliable long enough to ensure the correct positioning. It's not super
glue. Just ensure that the ambient air temperature is around 70F so that the
adhesive will cure properly. Using painter's tape to hold in place works
wonders without leaving residue.