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rubber sidecurtain seal source?

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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
Bronze
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Mornin' all.

The AMCO sidecurtain seals are pretty well shot - cracked, torn, stapled together, etc.

I'd like to find replacement rubber and make my own. Anyone know any sources?

The seals seem solid rubber, width varying from 1" to 3", about 1/8" thick. Along one side is a 1/4" round "flange" which slides into the groove in the aluminum frame.

Here's a (poor) example:
 
I would think it highly unlikely you are going to find a supply of that stuff so your choices may be to find something made for another application (also unlikely given that up to 3" width) or craft your own.

Perhaps you could use some thin sheet rubber (1/16" thick) folded over a 1/8" nylon cord so the fold edge has a 1/4" bead. Contact cement could be used to hold the layers together.

I've use old inner tube rubber for all kinds of things but I think you may need a longer & flatter piece than that would provide. Upholstery shops and marine supply stores are where I'd look for a sheet or rubber.
 
Tom,
I hope you manage to get some from Peter's source. The stuff around my Amco side-screens is also very hard and I suspect is was like that from new. It also looks as though it has been trimmed by the previous owner. I suspect that it starts off about two inches wide, but should be trimmed to a close fit with the windscreen and soft top once the side screen is fitted to the door.
If the bottom half of your screens are in a bad way you could dopy the aluminium idea that was used on mine. They are certainly a lot lighter than the original type.
Nick
 
If that source dosen't work, try the local store that supplies the professional body shops. Usually they will have a catalog with several pages of assorted gasket material available by the foot.
That's also an excellent source for oddball fasteners used on many cars.
good luck Guv'na
 
Just a quick follow-up. I contacted Todd at Clarke Spares (see PeterK's link above). He sent me samples of the seal material he uses, and is letting me order what I need. The 2-inch wide seal is *exactly* what was in my old AMCO sidecurtains use and fits perfectly in the groove of the aluminum frame.

Todd also sent me instructions on how to fit and mount the seal when I do my refurb. As old frame, supports, and the vinyl lower part of the sidescreens is in good condition, I'll just replace all the flexible seal (and the felt slider rail inserts).

Thanks again for the suggestions.
Tom
 
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