1964 convertible decklid adjustment

[Michael Y.]

I am trying to line up and adjust the convertible decklid on my 1964 roadster. The problem I have, is that when the lid is closed, the ends are even with the body, but the middle is below the adjacent body panel. I can shim the middle even, but then the outer ends are way above the adjacent body panels. It appears, that the center has sagged or something. I was wondering if there is some easy fix for this. Thanks

[Doug F.]

Re: 1964 convertible decklid adjustment

do you have the weatherstrip installed ? if not install it, if so I've had some luck with slicing the back side of the weatherstrip open [ where it glues to the lid ] and stuffing it with pieces of weatherstrip or vacuum hose to make it more rigid, sometimes it works sometimes not

[Michael Y.]

Re: 1964 convertible decklid adjustment

I do have the weatherstrip installed, but it is reproduction, and seems very flimsy. The original stuff was very bad, so I cannot reuse it. Is the original weatherstrip fairly stiff? Thanks for the help

[Gene M.]

Re: 1964 convertible decklid adjustment

Mike, I suggest a new deck lid gasket. A newer stiff gasket will raise the level because the compression will be less. Your gasket on the car must be old and all flattenen out.

Hoses and sticking thing in is just a bandade.

[Michael Y.]

Re: 1964 convertible decklid adjustment

I have a new gasket, but it is very flimsy. What reproduction gasket is more stiff. The one I bought is supposed to be made in america. I don't know which would be best. Thanks

[Gene M.]

Re: 1964 convertible decklid adjustment

I use Corvette Rubber, It is on the soft side and I have had good results. If you can find some GM replacement deck gasket from the 70's or 80's they were quite stiff compared to Corvette Rubbers pieces.

I assume your deck lid is virgin to the car and you are not mixing AO Smith and St Louis pieces. As this can cause differences in fit.

[Michael Y.]

Re: 1964 convertible decklid adjustment

This is the original decklid, to the car. It fit quite well with the original weatherstripping. The weatherstripping, that I bought, was from Corvette World, and is supposed to be made in the USA. It seems very flimsy compared to the factory stuff. Thanks

[Gene M.]

Re: 1964 convertible decklid adjustment

Mike, You may just need to obtain one of the early GM deck gaskets to get a correct durometer so the compression is right for car.

Even a good carefully removed original from a used deck lid may be an option.