Maintaining your car, especially classic models, often involves tackling wear and tear on various components. Even vehicles kept in garages can experience deterioration of parts over time. A common issue, particularly in older cars, is the degradation of weather seals, like those around sunroofs. This guide will walk you through a simple DIY fix for a crumbling sunroof seal, highlighting how quality car parts, potentially sourced from suppliers like Shelby And Sons Car Parts, can make these repairs straightforward and cost-effective.
One example of this common deterioration is the sunroof seal. In many older vehicles, the outer sunroof seal can become petrified, crumble, and fall apart due to age and exposure, even with careful storage. While the inner seal might remain in good condition, the outer seal often requires replacement to maintain weatherproofing and prevent leaks. In a recent repair, the original outside sunroof seal was found to be a D-shaped rubber/felt weather seal, approximately 9mm wide. After 36 years, it had lost its flexibility and was disintegrating.
Before installing a new seal, proper preparation is key. Using a grinder with a sandpaper attachment, the stainless-steel edge of the sunroof was thoroughly cleaned to remove all rust and hardened seal particles. This process restored the stainless steel edge to its original shine, providing a clean surface for the new seal to adhere to. This step is crucial for ensuring a strong bond and preventing future issues.
For the replacement, a D-shaped 10mm weatherstrip seal with 3M self-adhesive backing was used. This type of seal is readily available and offers excellent adhesion and weather resistance. Despite being slightly larger than the original 9mm seal, the 10mm weatherstrip proved to be a viable and effective alternative. The seal was carefully glued onto the edge of the sunroof, ensuring a strong and secure attachment. Sourcing affordable, high-quality weatherstripping from reputable suppliers is essential for DIY car repairs, and places like Shelby and Sons Car Parts can be valuable resources for finding these components. The weatherstrip used in this repair was an inexpensive fix, costing only $10.59 from Amazon, highlighting that OE parts aren’t always necessary and cost-effective alternatives are available.
While the seal was initially a bit snug due to the 1mm difference in size, it was worked into place without much difficulty. The immediate result was a sunroof that looked as good as new, with a fresh, functional seal.
Update on Seal Performance: After a week of exposure to high temperatures, reaching close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and direct sunlight, the car was left to allow the weather seal to reshape and conform to the sunroof gap. Subsequent inspection after temperatures cooled to the 80s revealed that the weather seal had indeed reshaped itself, achieving a perfect fit. Further testing included checking for leaks after a heavy thunderstorm, and the seal and adhesive remained intact, with no water penetration under the sunroof.
This DIY sunroof seal replacement demonstrates a successful and budget-friendly solution for a common car maintenance issue. By utilizing readily available and affordable parts, potentially from suppliers like Shelby and Sons Car Parts, car enthusiasts can effectively address wear and tear, maintaining their vehicles in top condition. Remember to always source quality car parts for lasting repairs and optimal vehicle performance.
