Still another 57 issue

[Dan D.]

I hope this is the last one.

Rear bumpers and bumper irons.

The bumper irons are channel steel that fasten to the rear of the frame and are bent in an 'S' format to protrude into the trunk, are bent again and fasten to the horizontal bumpers. This has to be a difficult piece to manufacture.

There is a large clearance area in the trunk for these parts to enter the trunk area. The seal is a piece of rubber cut to conform to the opening area. As designed it will never fit perfectly.

My question is, were these rubbers sealed at all? Mine were a mess and there was road dirt entering the trunk.

I'm thinking about cutting out a cardboard pattern and transferring it to the rubbers, then sealing up all edges with RTV.

Does this sound okay, or how did St. Louis do it?

Photo attached.

IMG_0921[1].jpg

Dan

[Joseph L.]

Re: Still another 57 issue

This looks like one of those pieces of tar paper that was glued to cover a hole. The same for the rear shock top mount in the soft top well.
See AIM 14-2

[Rod K.]

Re: Still another 57 issue

The seals I got recently fit fine. They're just rectangular 1/8-3/16 (?) thk rubber pcs with a C-shaped internal slot cut out to fit over the brace where it enters the trunk and, yes, I used black silicone sealant to hold them in place. No need to modify anything. See AIM Sect 14, pg 2.

[Dan D.]

Re: Still another 57 issue

Thanks Joe and Rod,

Rod, I have the new rubbers, but looking at them I did not think they would fit very well. But after reading tour comment I think you are probably correct. I will give it a try and report back on how well I did. T0he AIM is not very detailed.

Dan

[Chris S.]

Re: Still another 57 issue

The rear bumper brace seals are the same - 53 to 57
They were originally glued to the body - heavily with bond material
The repro ones from C Central and others fit perfectly
Mount and snug your bumper
Then glue on the seal
I use Weldbond contact cement

[Dan D.]

Re: Still another 57 issue

Rod and Chris.

Thank You for your inputs.

Yes, they do fit good. My bad - did not think they would.

I owe you guys a beer. I might even get the opportunity to do so some say. You never know.

Dan