Hardtop Rear window sealant X-2783

[Gerard F.]

What would be the current equivalent of sealant X-2783 between the hardtop rear window weatherstip and hardtop body. A 10-18-65 note in the DowSmith Hardtop AIM for 66 says X-2783 was 3710409.

Also a funny thing I noticed between the DowSmith Hardtop AIM (66) and the St. Louis AIM (67 C07,A06), is that the St. Louis AIM shows a washer (3831541) under the rear deck lid ferrule (3830938). The DowSmith Hardtop AIM (pg 432-0) shows washer G above ferrule B. Wondering which is correct for a 67 AO Smith car. I have my original ferrules in place and don't see any washer under. Should there be a rubber or neoprene washer between the ferrule and deck lid.

[Gene M.]

Re: Hardtop Rear window sealant X-2783

Jerry,
The thick rubber washer supplied by jobbers is not correct. Too thick and hard, will not compress enough to look right. I suggest an "O" ring. I used them and the fit and look is much better. Soft "O" ring comresses nice under the ferrule. You can just see it's seal under the ferrule lip. A bit tricky to center on ferrule though. My car is white so a big black bulging rubber gasket stands out like a sore thumb. That is when top is off.......

Washer goes underside with nut against ferrule.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Hardtop Rear window sealant X-2783

Gene,

I wonder if that washer isn't an AO Smith vs St. Louis thing. The St Louis AIM definitely shows a 3831541 washer between the ferrule and the deck lid. A page from the Dow Smith AIM for the hard top installation shows only a washer above the ferrule and to the hardtop bolt. I have an AO Smith 67 and don't have a washer below the ferrule but can't say for sure whether the ferrule was ever removed.