So my old gasket was torn to shreds, and when I replaced it, the trunk wouldn't close without slamming it very hard. At first I thought if just adjust the latch/Catcher. The trunk then closed, but sat way above where it was supposed to go. I figured id let it go and maybe it would stretch and smoosh. 6 months later, it still did not. I tried adjusting where the hinge attaches to the deck lid, but no good. Has anyone else had this problem with a fiero store store gasket on a GT?
I put the Fiero Store gasket in my 87 GT. It is normal for it to be hard to close. I just put pressure slowly on the lid by sitting on the edge. At first it took a lot of pressure but now after a year it just takes a little. If the lid is closed for a long period of time it closes pretty easily. It does seal very well. In another year it will probable close like my old one did.
I didn't notice any markings, but there's a little notch that fits right over the latch catch.
My major concern was breaking the wing stands, again. I can try closing it slowly, or even adjusting it so the lid sits up a little until it flattens out I guess
Both TFS and my gaskets have the same problem on occasion depending on the fit and flatness of your body panels and D plates. New foam synthetic materials are a lot more firm than those used years ago. It may take a few days for the seal to take a set. I would stack some weight on top of your decklid over night to help the process along. IIRC TFS is also making their seal out of cheaper vinyl not EPDM but I have not confirmed that.
Dr. W.
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[This message has been edited by infinitewill (edited 05-04-2014).]
Definitely not pushing down from the wing. And as stated, it's been close to 6 months with no improvement. Maybe I could however try to tighten the latch even more to help smoosh it though. As for the little square lip that follows the shape of the trunk on the decklid, is that supposed to be right on the gasket? I'd assume so since it hits dead center
For what its worth, I bought one of the brand-new GM-original gaskets back when the Fiero Store still had them, and it too was had to close the decklid once I installed it. It improved once it had been on the car and kept closed awhile.
I bought one set from Will and another from the Fiero store. I installed each one to see if there was any difference. They both closed, on my car, with a lot of effort. I left the Fiero Store seal on because I put it on last. I have Will's in a sealed plastic bag for future use if necessary. I chose the Fiero Store one because I was too lazy to switch one or the other and could find no reason to run one instead of the other. Both seem to be very good quality.
Yes its normal for a new installation. In restorations, I have it all the time. I replaced the trunk seal on my Super Bee and had to have 3 people sit on it to shut it. Took a lot to get the doors shut too. After they were installed a week or so and out in the sun, they all worked fine.
Beware of the fact, I replaced my rear GT trunk gasket on my 88GT with a GM original.
The deck-lid wasn't adjusted in front for the new gasket. But once I adjusted the deck-lid to the same height as the body trim, I had a hard time closing the deck-lid also. I had to raise up the trunk hinge so it would close easier. (the hinge inside the trunk)
Once that was adjusted, the deck-lid was easy to close. You still need to apply pressure to close it because you want it to seal so water won't get in.
You might need to adjust the trunk hinge(up and down) to seal right for a perfect fit.
DONT change any adjustments till you give the seal a week or two to adjust....unless the deck lid was out of alignment before you replaced it. Your just making yourself a lot more work and it wont seal correctly, plus you would have to readjust it right back. Just leave it alone for a few weeks in the sun and it will be fine.
Hopefully, you can use a heated garage. A new seal will conform over time. When it gets older, not so much. If its cold out, engine heat on a Fiero may help quite a bit. But, your probably right about best to wait for warmer weather. Im not talking 90*,.... 60* in the sun would be fine. If you couldnt wait, it would take it longer, maybe a month or two. I still wouldnt be readjusting any body parts if they were ok in the first place. Ive done lots of restorations over the years, and never had one that didnt crush down to fit right after a while.
I have the same problem. It's closed so tightly that the trunk release won't work. It clicks, but doesn't release half the time. I hope it'll get better, but I have other problems (blown engine)...
Yes, Ive had to push down or have someone else sit on it while I turned the key until it smashed down properly. An electric release would need the same thing.
Now that the weather is heating up, it seems to be working in a little better. Guess that's what I get for doing it in the middle of winter! Now I'm just waiting for my jacknuts to come in so I can attach the spoiler to the wing stands
