Need Tips for Installing Rubber on Rocker Cover

l_turn9 · l_turn9's Garage

I need to install the protective rubber strip that fits on each rocker panel cover of my 74 911. I've tried 3 or 4 different approaches and I'm just not getting anywhere. I'm using water & Dawn to lubricate it and am hoping someone can provide some other tips.
Thanks to all -

yelcab1 · 07-22-2023, 03:30 PM

I don't understand what you are asking. Post a picture.

Nditiz1 · 07-22-2023, 03:31 PM

I think it just slides in, not sure there is any trick, but the soapy water should be doing the trick.

john walker's workshop · 07-22-2023, 03:41 PM

Wet silicone spray, do the bottom first then twist in the top starting on one end. Keep it siliconed as you go. I recall the factory said just push it through, but good luck with that. Actually have to do one now.

917_Langheck · 917_Langheck's Garage

Add some heat to the water and soak the rubber to warm it up and make it more pliable and stretchy.

l_turn9 · l_turn9's Garage

Thanks to all who replied and offered great suggestions. Seems like there's no "easy" way. I tried to slide it on and once about 1/3 of it is in place, the friction is so great that it will not slide anymore.
I really appreciate the suggestions!

JRSIII · 07-22-2023, 04:51 PM

Make sure there are no burrs or sharp edges on the metal rail that the rubber slides onto. Then generously lubricate the rubber with KY Jelly. I mean like a whole tube. Then push and pull like hell. It can be done.

AlKidd · AlKidd's Garage

I did mine with very hot soapy water in a squeeze bottle and made sure the groves in the rubber had no grit at all before hand. I lubed the metal rail, top and bottom with straight dish soap

47silver · 47silver's Garage

Used dawn and hot water and created some new swear words while pushing it from the rear. Easier than a targa rear window. 2,people might be easier.

David Inc. · David Inc.'s Garage

What's helped me tremendously with any of these devilish rubber trim pieces is using cable pulling lubricant. It is an entirely different level from using silicone lube or soap and water. It's a little more expensive but totally worth it.

I think this is what I have out in the garage: https://www.grainger.com/product/10F523?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2295:4P7A1P:20501231&gclid=CjwKCAjwzo2mBhAUEiwAf7wjkhujK4-NvoRds6Ni2Tgm_e1E24RR5rXduFqEV5raqsEtB0PYMy-aNxoC2lYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

It's designed for pulling heavy cables jacketed in rubber that are hundreds of meters long. It just works.

IndyAlex · 07-28-2023, 05:34 AM

I used dawn and hot water.

GG Allin · GG Allin's Garage

It doesn't hurt to let them sit in the sun either. I've used WD40.

sdmcoupe · 07-30-2023, 12:21 PM

I recently installed these on my 911. Sliding them didnt work. After a foot or so they wouldn't budge any further. I ended up installing them on the bottom groove and then took a trim removal tool and pushed down a bit and towards the car to get the upper lip locked. Just kept doing this along the entire length. Went pretty easily that way.

47silver · 47silver's Garage

Thanks that sounds like the way to do it

proporsche · proporsche's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdmcoupe

I recently installed these on my 911. Sliding them didnt work. After a foot or so they wouldn't budge any further. I ended up installing them on the bottom groove and then took a trim removal tool and pushed down a bit and towards the car to get the upper lip locked. Just kept doing this along the entire length. Went pretty easily that way.

yes last time i did it was this technique....good job..plus liquid soap...

Ivan