Rubber trunk seal for BT7

[bighealeysource]

Hello again oh fellow Healey stewards,
Another question on a rubber seal. I have used the seal
available from Moss when I put a new one on a 100-6 a couple
of years ago but on my new BT7, the one currently installed
which appears to be identical to the Moss one, makes the
trunk lid not close completely. Probably better way to
put it is the rubber does not allow the trunk lid to "seat"
better on the shroud. With it removed, the trunk lid "seats"
properly and looks better. Any thoughts or should I just
leave it off ? I would prefer to have it close better
than worry about rain possibly getting into the trunk -
and if possible I do not take the Healey out in the rain.
Might just put a thin flat rubber seal so at least it looks
close to correct.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Dave Russell]

The boot lid seal attaches to the groove in the lid, not to the shroud.

A correct seal will have a cross section with a channel for the inboard shroud edge which is off center side to side. Kind of like a W with one thin outer leg.

When this seal is installed in the lid with the thinner part of the groove facing inboard it leaves room for the inboard shroud edge to fit into this groove.

Clearance holes need to be cut in the seal where it goes over the boot lid hinge mounting bolts.

Four cylinder cars had a joint in each side of the lid. Two piece seal.

Later cars had a single joint at the bottom center of the lid.

When you install the seal into the lid with contact cement, be sure to push the seal all of the way into the boot lid corners so that it doesn't cut across the corners. Not stretched.
D

 

[AUSMHLY]

Dave, is this correct? I have the thinner side at the edge of the boot lid.

 

[Dave Russell]

Yes, it looks correct, perfect as usual. The thinnest part of the groove should go over the inboard raised vertical edge of the shroud.

If it were reversed, the thicker part would be directly over the raised inner flange on the shroud. Makes it impossible to get the lid flush with the shroud.

Also, the later cars don't have the rear hinge stud directly under the gasket as do the earlier cars.
D

 

[bighealeysource]

Thanks y'all for the feedback. Think the previous owner put it on backwards
so I'll do it correctly and see if it closes properly.
Regards,
Mike

 

[Ed_K]

Mike,
Be careful when trying to remove the old seal. If you use acetone it will get the old weather strip adhesive loose but it can also dissolve the paint.
Don't ask why I know this.
Ed

 

[Dave Russell]

3M "General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner" works wonders to loosen & remove even old firmly set adhesive. No damage to paint or to rubber.
D