Replacement for foam seals around rear vents?

[jawn101]

Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm talking about the foam ring seal that goes around the base of item #10 on this diagram, where it enters the pontoon. Mine (and all of yours, I'm sure) have turned to dust but I hear that the originals are no longer available. Some kind of weatherstripping would be great, but it seems like all I can find is black stuff that's too thin, or A/C sealant that's grey and would look awful.

What do/have you guys used?

http://store.delorean.com/images/Category/large/8-3-1.gif

[David T]

That part has been unavailable for years. All of them have turned to dust. The foam inside just "dies". The outer cover survives but it is no good without the foam filling. To make matters worse you have to remove part #10 because it goes through the seal. I have had success cutting open the old seals and making up a foam filler. To insert it you still have to deal with putting it in which means either removing #10 or cutting the seal. A better alternative is to get some square weatherstripping about 1" square. Cut to length and wrap it around part #10. Stick the seam around the back so you can't see it. You can hold it in place with a couple of dabs of glue. If you have to have it look original you can just cut the old seal with the new foam filler and stick it in with the cut hidden.
David Teitelbaum



Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm talking about the foam ring seal that goes around the base of item #10 on this diagram, where it enters the pontoon. Mine (and all of yours, I'm sure) have turned to dust but I hear that the originals are no longer available. Some kind of weatherstripping would be great, but it seems like all I can find is black stuff that's too thin, or A/C sealant that's grey and would look awful.

What do/have you guys used?

http://store.delorean.com/images/Category/large/8-3-1.gif

[jawn101]

Thanks David. I was thinking of using the 1" square weatherstrip but can only find it in grey, not black. I have the quarter panel removed right now, so it's the ideal time to replace the seal. I don't know if the outer sheath can be saved by filling it, it's in pretty tatty condition.

[WelmoedJ]

The same foam "bags" are used around the shifter opening of the frame.
We usually replace those foam bags by sealing tape (kind of foam that does not absorbe water and swells up after it comes off of the reel).
May also work around the air inlets.

Welmoed.

[jawn101]

The same foam "bags" are used around the shifter opening of the frame.
We usually replace those foam bags by sealing tape (kind of foam that does not absorbe water and swells up after it comes off of the reel).
May also work around the air inlets.

Welmoed.

Funny you mention those. I also just repaired and cleaned/relubricated/reinstalled the shifter mechanism and noticed that those are completely turned to dust as well. I was just going to leave them alone as I don't really know what they are for. Can they be replaced easily (as in without removing the body from the frame?)

I will check around at some other hardware stores and see if anyone has a more appropriate kind of sealing tape.

[mluder]

Mine are gone around the vents as well. No idea about the shifter ones.

I had no idea there was something there and just assumed it was a bead of RTV around there.

Does anyone have a photo of how they looked originally?

Cheers,
Steve

[Nicholas R]

The only person I know that has them is Ken K. Somehow he found out who made them originally and had them make a bunch a while back for concourse. His is the only car I've seen with them. (though I've never checked any other concourse cars)

[jawn101]

Interesting, so you guys just have nothing there? That would look odd to me, isn't there a large space between the hole in the pontoon and the vent?

[john 05141]

Mine is gone too.
What does that vent do anyway? Blowing ait into the rear pontoon to cool the electric antenna :)

Is it necessary to replace that I naver gave it much tought anyway.

John

[jawn101]

Probably not necessary, but the ratty remains of the original seal isn't exactly nice looking, and I'd rather have something than nothing! :)

[john 05141]

Read last evening that the drivers side vent with the antenna is a fake, the passengers side is to blow fresh air into the engine. Even without the seal my engine runs perfect. Maybe not a bad idea to install a seal anyway, it gets more air with the seal probably.

John

[jawn101]

Read last evening that the drivers side vent with the antenna is a fake, the passengers side is to blow fresh air into the engine. Even without the seal my engine runs perfect. Maybe not a bad idea to install a seal anyway, it gets more air with the seal probably.

John

The driver's side vent isn't completely fake, it does bring air into the pontoon on that side. Maybe it helps exhaust gas fumes from the charcoal canister, or provides downforce, or something. Probably not, but one thing's for sure - it does push air into the pontoon.

I got some black foam square weatherstripping that I think is going to be a great alternative. Tonight I will scrape off what's left of the old one on the driver's side and put the new stuff on. Stand by for pictures.