Rear window seal

[Sparkrite]

I am looking to buy this seal and would appreciate if anyone has actual dimensions and details of where to buy in the UK.
I have tried to find this claytonrite seal in the right dimensions without success, which I believe is approximately 14mm wide, 3.5mm glass opening and 5mm panel opening. Without confirmation I am assuming the usual suppliers may have it in different sizes. The filler strip I ordered from sjsportscars is of a more rubbery material than the more plastic original, and is a touch bigger.

[4129R]

I think the rubber surround and the sealer strip have to be matched, so you would have to replace both.

The old rigid plastic sealer strip may not have been quite so rigid 50 years ago when they were made. It breaks very easily.

[Clifton]

Why not get it from Richard at Banks? He has done my right on all my orders and front windsheild rubber.

[Sparkrite]

I have read a number of old posts about fitting the rear window, and it seems not too easy. Without knowing the dimensions of the seal I do not want to buy it as it may end up being difficult to fit. I have searched the internet but cant find a correct seal, so I wonder where these lotus suppliers get it from. Having a custom made seal will not be cheap and they wouldn't sell that many to make it worthwhile.

[S2Zetec54]

https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/bodywork/rubber/rear-screen-rubber-insert-s1-s2-tc/

This seems to be the actual part….from Richard

[S2Zetec54]

I did the rear seal as a teenager with my first S2…..and it went in very easily, used a cord in the normal way…..it’s a tight place to work and at 19 I guess I was as flexible as I was going to be

[Clifton]

I have searched the internet but cant find a correct seal, so I wonder where these lotus suppliers get it from. Having a custom made seal will not be cheap and they wouldn't sell that many to make it worthwhile.

Buy the kit from Richard. I used on from McMastercar in the US as I didn't want to ship just the seal from the UK. I'm sure Banks fits better and I should have got that. It's not hard with two people, compared to the front windshield. I don't think I could do it by my self. Wife helped with both. I had plastic window tools off Ebay and used a locking trim tool too. If you need something slippery Armorall / tire shine stuff works good.

[EuropaTC]

Sadly this was one project that I didn't photograph/record so I'm relying on memory (never a good idea).

I seem to think that the glass was thinner than I expected at around 4mm. I did measure the old seal but for the life of me I can't remember what it was, however your numbers sound about right. I did measure the web, assuming this to be the critical dimension in getting it installed and then bought the nearest I could find from Seals Direct, I think  it was their WR63 or 64 looking now but I can't be 100% on that.

It was a devil of a job to get it installed but I was doing it in January in a cold workshop, so that would have played a part. In the end I reduced the web thickness to get it in the corners because the bend radius was a problem - but I knew that beforehand, I do remember it was quoted at 100mm for the one I bought. 

And it fits, doesn't leak, looks fine.

But I've got time to fiddle about and don't mind a challenge so if I was to offer advice it would be as the other guys have said, buy the correct seal from Lotus Supplies or wherever and rule out one potential problem area of trying to make something else fit.  You will only save £15-£20 or so on the material costs, not a great amount when you look at what you're spending overall and it will save you time/trouble.

Brian

[Nickr9119]

I did this job recently using the seal kit from Lotus Supplies, it does need trimming to length. It is a difficult job and needs two people, I tried several ways and in the end fitted the seal to the body and then using washing up liquid diluted to lubricate the seal managed to ease the glass in. Do it in a warm environment to maximise the suppleness of the rubber. It takes two as the pressure  is needed on the glass as the seal is pushed over the edge of the glass using a blunt too, I used an old screwdriver. Part two is fitting the sealer strip and again two people and using the recommended special tool, which sort of works. One person on the tool and the other pushing the strip in. I did it with the engine in, boot cover removed, so was really tough to get at. I would recommend doing, ideally with the engine out or the body off the chassis if you are restoring the car.

Nick

[RafM]

I would but the seal and inset from one of the usual suppliers, Lotus supplies, SJ Sportscars or Kelvedon, I'm sure they are all the same profile. It's a tight fit as the new rubbers have to bend around a small radius, you may be able to 'pull' the glass in using a cord and then use a V tool to fit the centre profile afterwards.

I've just done this on my TC, however, I fitted the screen rubber the opposite way around so that the wedge piece is inside the car, it was much easier to maneuver around and I didn't want to risk slipping and gouging the new paintwork. Good luck!

[Sparkrite]

Paul matty sports cars gave me some dimensions of their seal and it was not the same as my original seal. I have yet to confirm a seal that matches mine.

[RafM]

Paul matty sports cars gave me some dimensions of their seal and it was not the same as my original seal. I have yet to confirm a seal that matches mine.

I'm not sure that the original profile will still be available from anywhere. I've had the same issue with the flocked U channel for the side windows, the nearest equivalent is a fractionally different in size to the original.

I have a broken piece of the original rear screen rubber and insert, it's not exactly the same size as the new one I got from Banks but went in ok. Changing the whole thing may be the easier route but that's just my opinion.

Good luck with the hunt.

[jbcollier]

Where are you getting your measurements from?  Any original seal will have deteriorated due to simple exposure to the environment and won't be at original dimensions.  I bought the seal kit from either Banks or RD, can't remember which, and it installed perfectly as per instruction in the manual.  Use a purpose made tool to install the seal lock and it goes in easily.

[Sparkrite]

The part of the seal that sits in the cabin side is quite good condition and I cant imagine it has shrunk that much.

[bozman]

I bought the rear window seal from RD Enterprises and installed the rear window and new seal over the weekend.  It was amazingly not too bad.  I have a bit of the seal left over if you want some measurements.