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Vega Hatch Rear Quarter Glass Seal Alternative

PostPosted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 6:27 pm
by dadhad1
(Factory Purists, please look the other way) :D

Those of you that have searched far and wide for new tilt out seals know they're not out there.
So we all live with the ones we have or try to score some decent ones used.
Mine were in decent shape, but not show quality by any means.
Quite frankly, it was the worst looking thing on the exterior of the car.

So, I tried something that I thought I should share.
I got my new seals and I'm very happy with the outcome.

I bought a brand new set from Steele Rubber for $122.
http://www.steelerubber.com/search?year ... 70-3514-77
These are for a FIXED glass application! But I made them work for a tilt out.

It was a pretty simple modification/cut to the seal once I figured out the best way to do it.
But basically, I cut the outer lip portion that covers the glass edges. 2 of the 3 sides made for a real easy/perfect cut because of the way the seal lip is designed (front/top).
Your actually just exposing the molded edge of the seal, so it's nice an straight.
The bottom edge was a little more tricky, but with a steady hand, you can make a straight cut that looks right. I used a hooked blade.
If you do have some unwanted subtle waves in your cut, one can actually sand them out smooth.
Once those cuts are made, the glass fits perfectly in the area.
You can make the 2 factory hinges work by making your own slice in the seal. You might have to mount the hinges a little further out (1/8" or so), as the glass with this seal sits just little further out than the factory tilt out seal.

Att'd is a pic of how it looks.

If anyone else does it, I'd be interested in hearing how it turned out.

Good Luck!

Mike

Re: Vega Hatch Rear Quarter Glass Seal Alternative

PostPosted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 7:24 pm
by ROB
Nice :th:

Re: Vega Hatch Rear Quarter Glass Seal Alternative

PostPosted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 10:05 pm
by Monza Harry
Your whole car turned out pretty Sweet not just the window seals! :th: Harry

Re: Vega Hatch Rear Quarter Glass Seal Alternative

PostPosted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 9:25 am
by dadhad1
Thanks Harry. Now the seals look good again.

Re: Vega Hatch Rear Quarter Glass Seal Alternative

PostPosted: Fri Jan 31, 2014 5:58 pm
by cswrth1
Those look great! Glad to know it is possible. A couple of years ago the CVOA was supposed to be working with one of those companies to make up the swingout window gaskets. Not sure what ever happened to that. Thanks for sharing!

Chris Wheaton