Window seal rot in cargo bay

[Theodoremartinez]

Quick question. My 98 5.0 XLT has what looks like window seal deterioration. There’s no leaks but it looks ugly. Is there a way to replace the seal. Or put sealer on the rotting parts? Any information would be appreciated!

 

[crunchie_frog]

You can find a better one in a junk yard, just remove the rear cargo panel and remove. There are threads and videos of this out there. You will need to reseal the better one when you install, again threads and videos out there. For me, it would not be worth it just for cosmetic reasons, as long as it is not leaking (check the foam pad under the carpet in the rear cargo area to see if it is wet).

 

[Theodoremartinez]

You can find a better one in a junk yard, just remove the rear cargo panel and remove. There are threads and videos of this out there. You will need to reseal the better one when you install, again threads and videos out there. For me, it would not be worth it just for cosmetic reasons, as long as it is not leaking (check the foam pad under the carpet in the rear cargo area to see if it is wet).

It’s not leaking so it’s cosmetic for now. is there a way to fix the rot with an adhesive or something?

 

[J_C]

You could put some protectant on it like Aerospace 303, or silicone grease, but they will just slow down further damage. You could also try rubbing some black (non-acid cure, sensor-safe) RTV onto it, just trying to fill the pits in it, not a whole top coating which would probably peel and look worse. If you do put silicone grease on, you'll never get anything else to adhere to it later.

I have same issue with my rear quarter glass on one side, where it's exposed to sun from being parked outdoors. When it makes it to my priority list, I'll do as described able, wash it good, wait a few days, them smear some RTV into the grainy area, a tiny section to see how it turns out, let it set a few days, then top coat with silicone grease.

Who knows after this many years, but if it was very lightly dressed with silicone grease all along, it might not have degraded this much. Main problem with that is the grease is a bit of a dust magnet, depending on where you drive.

To clarify I'm only talking about applying things to the outer surface, not between the seal and the metal or glass.

 

[Theodoremartinez]

You could put some protectant on it like Aerospace 303, or silicone grease, but they will just slow down further damage. You could also try rubbing some black (non-acid cure, sensor-safe) RTV onto it, just trying to fill the pits in it, not a whole top coating which would probably peel and look worse. If you do put silicone grease on, you'll never get anything else to adhere to it later.

I have same issue with my rear quarter glass on one side, where it's exposed to sun from being parked outdoors. When it makes it to my priority list, I'll do as described able, wash it good, wait a few days, them smear some RTV into the grainy area, a tiny section to see how it turns out, let it set a few days, then top coat with silicone grease.

Who knows after this many years, but if it was very lightly dressed with silicone grease all along, it might not have degraded this much. Main problem with that is the grease is a bit of a dust magnet, depending on where you drive.

To clarify I'm only talking about applying things to the outer surface, not between the seal and the metal or glass.

 

[Theodoremartinez]

Thanks for the advice. There’s no leaking so I do just want to fill in the pits and make it look presentable at least

 

[J_C]

Thanks for the advice. There’s no leaking so I do just want to fill in the pits and make it look presentable at least

Do a small inconspicuous section first. Black RTV isn't going to quite match, nothing will match faded grainy rubber.