fender to cowl seal replacement

fiminod · 10-05-2004, 06:55 AM

Tried this this weekend...loosened both bolts inside doorjamb in addition to the four from under the bonnet running towards the front. Could not get the bumper to move at all. What did I miss? 1978 SC Targa.

Yellowbird RS · 10-05-2004, 07:25 AM

after remove all the screw you just need to remove the gas seal ring then just pull the fender out

fiminod · 10-05-2004, 07:33 AM

Okay thanks! But what stopped the right side from moving?

john walker's workshop · 10-05-2004, 07:37 AM

bumper, or fender? the cowl seals won't go in well unless you wedge the gap open a bit with a medium screwdriver in the area where the cowl dips down into the trunk area. pad or tape so you don't chip paint. the long lip of the seal is another installation issue. i trim almost 1/2 off, then it goes in way easier.

Series900 · 10-05-2004, 07:38 AM

hmm , bumper ? gas seal? thought the post was about fender to cowl seal replacement, start at the two inside the door jamb, check to see if the fender was welded right at the end to the cowl, loosen up bolts up to the shock tower, remeber you have not loosened the bolts up the inner fender along the door jamb from the wheel side, I then insert a plastic wedge at the fender hood line to spread the gap, yank the seal out, trim at least a 1/2 inch off the depth, not length of the new seal, start at the little hump where it drops down under the hood for placement, use a small plastic mallet to start setting it in, working back to the door, some are easier than others, if it does not want to sit in, try again. the factory set these in post painting, they did it , so can you.

fiminod · 10-05-2004, 07:43 AM

Sorry, fender. I was thinking off using a nylon wedge as to avoid chipping the paint. When you refer to trimming the seal are you referring to the bottom half therefore avoiding potential binding issues when you're putting the new one in?

Series900 · 10-05-2004, 07:45 AM

yup.

fiminod · 10-05-2004, 07:50 AM

Thank you gentlemen.

Series900 · 10-05-2004, 08:11 AM

geez john, we were 1 minute aprt from posting :>)

steve911 · steve911's Garage

I used liberal amounts of wd 40 to loosen the seal prior to removing it - LOTS of junk accumulated in there. Be sure to lubricate the new seal as well, then follow JWW and Series900's installation instructions.

Series900 · 10-05-2004, 09:48 AM

always tempted to use silicone, but that is out of the question in the body shop, I have one can, at home! :>)

fiminod · 10-05-2004, 09:56 AM

Been debating which would work better...silicone or wd...thoughts?

john walker's workshop · 10-05-2004, 09:59 AM

not needed.