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Expert
Posts: 2195
  
Location: McComb, Mississippi | My 63 imperial with power vent wings leaks from both vent windows. I've tried everything I can think of to get a proper seal, but nothing works. One leaks from below the pivot and the other as well plus around the leading edge. It seems like the rubber has strunk and I cannot get it to swell back to original shape. The car has a functional air conditioner so comfort is not a problem. Has anyone permanently sealed the vent windows? I am torn on what to do, but cannot have a car leaking water on a new interior. Any thoughts on this? |
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Veteran
Posts: 274
| Is new rubber not an option? If its not available there are methods to soften and swell it up if you can remove it intact. Brake fluid will soften the rubber when soaked for a week or so. |
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Expert
Posts: 2195
Location: McComb, Mississippi | I cannot find any new ones available. I have not tried the brake fluid technique yet. The rubber seems very soft but it has just shrank with age. |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 8485
 
Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA | can you put something behind the seal to bring it out some but not too much -----------------------------------------------later |
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Expert
Posts: 3103
Location: NorCal | This sounds goofy but it's worked for me. Clean the areas that contact the seal thoroughly, mask them off, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the window contact areas, then apply a liberal bead of black RTV to the seal rubber, then close the window a little looser than completely tight and let set for a couple of days. Mold release agent works better than Vaseline if you can find it.
When the RTV has dried it will have filled in the voids in the shrunken rubber, remove the masking and Vaseline and trim any slag with a razor blade. |
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Expert
Posts: 2195
Location: McComb, Mississippi | I will give the RTV a try. It can't hurt. Thanks |
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 5062
Location: So. California | I think the polyurethane 560 might work better to fill the gaps, it won't crack as easily if the gap is larger, and it will look more seamless. Also, roughen up the contact areas before you apply it to promote adhesion where you want it to stick. |
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Opinions on sealing up vent wings
