I've tried the special 3M tape and it just doesn't work very well. Once that seal is rippled, it's stretched too far to lay down flatly. What have you pros done besides replacing the window which is not an option in my case? It appears to me that if the rippled part of the seal were cut back to the window frame, the remaining gap might be filled with some kind sealer and smoothed carefully to match the frame. Has anyone tried something like this? I'd love to here some anecdotes about what's been tried....what's worked....and what hasn't. Thanks, Barry
rippled rear window seal
- Thread starter GR8VIII
- Start date
RE: rippled rear window seal
What worked on my earlier '96 was to CAREFULLY put super glue under the seal - then you need to hold it in place for a minute or so. You can only realistically do about 2" at a time. Painstaking, but it looked perfect when done, ans was still that way when I sold it several months later.
The key for me was being sure the glue was placed so that it wouldn't squeeze out onto the finish.
John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
What worked on my earlier '96 was to CAREFULLY put super glue under the seal - then you need to hold it in place for a minute or so. You can only realistically do about 2" at a time. Painstaking, but it looked perfect when done, ans was still that way when I sold it several months later.
The key for me was being sure the glue was placed so that it wouldn't squeeze out onto the finish.
John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
RE: rippled rear window seal
Hmmm. Thanks John. Guess I'll try that. The tape is just not sticky enuff to hold down the ripples.
I noticed that on the lengths of seal that are not rippled, there appears to be a 'bond' at the outer edge of the seal where it meets (contacts) the body(paint). If I had one that was NOT rippled, I would keep a close eye on this contact point to insure that bond doesn't get broken. It is obvious to me that once this happens, moisture, dirt and what have you get underneath the seal and start the waffling process. It might take a magnifying glass to apply it but I'd put some black silicone or something like it along that point to keep the seal 'sealed' to the paint.
Hmmm. Thanks John. Guess I'll try that. The tape is just not sticky enuff to hold down the ripples.
I noticed that on the lengths of seal that are not rippled, there appears to be a 'bond' at the outer edge of the seal where it meets (contacts) the body(paint). If I had one that was NOT rippled, I would keep a close eye on this contact point to insure that bond doesn't get broken. It is obvious to me that once this happens, moisture, dirt and what have you get underneath the seal and start the waffling process. It might take a magnifying glass to apply it but I'd put some black silicone or something like it along that point to keep the seal 'sealed' to the paint.
RE: rippled rear window seal
Barry, I've heard the seal can be cut back carefully with a razor knife and the exposed paint polished. If a small gap is there I don't think it would necessarily mean a leak. However, they do make a black butyl rubber silicone you could 'caulk' with no trouble. It is usually used on windshields and such under the chrome trim surround.
Barry, I've heard the seal can be cut back carefully with a razor knife and the exposed paint polished. If a small gap is there I don't think it would necessarily mean a leak. However, they do make a black butyl rubber silicone you could 'caulk' with no trouble. It is usually used on windshields and such under the chrome trim surround.
THE FIX, CLEAN
THE FIX, CLEAN
Let me tell you how I "fixed" my ripple problem.
First of all, this is for the SIDE RIPPLES ONLY, NOT for the ripples on the top of the rear window. I tried it on the top portion of the window an made it worse, but don't worry about the side of the window you can not mess that part up.
What you/I need:
1. Send me $350 for the "special" tool LOL, I'm serious.
2. All you need is something plastic that won't scracth the paint, anything will do.
3. 30 minutes to complete
I did this when I first bought the Mark, I couldn't stand the ripples and depending on the condition of trim will depend on how well it looks.
If the trim is rippled and not dried and cracking it will look best.
TOP SECRET:
all I did was tuck it in, yes tuck in the trim.
Believe me it looks better and oh oh oh, so CLEAN
if you lift the trim you will se a gap, just tuck in the trim, if you don't like it just pull it out of the gap, it's that simple.
after that, clean the fresh virgin paint and let the sun shine on it.
tell me how you like it
David
1994
Lincoln
Mark VIII
THE FIX, CLEAN
Let me tell you how I "fixed" my ripple problem.
First of all, this is for the SIDE RIPPLES ONLY, NOT for the ripples on the top of the rear window. I tried it on the top portion of the window an made it worse, but don't worry about the side of the window you can not mess that part up.
What you/I need:
1. Send me $350 for the "special" tool LOL, I'm serious.
2. All you need is something plastic that won't scracth the paint, anything will do.
3. 30 minutes to complete
I did this when I first bought the Mark, I couldn't stand the ripples and depending on the condition of trim will depend on how well it looks.
If the trim is rippled and not dried and cracking it will look best.
TOP SECRET:
all I did was tuck it in, yes tuck in the trim.
Believe me it looks better and oh oh oh, so CLEAN
if you lift the trim you will se a gap, just tuck in the trim, if you don't like it just pull it out of the gap, it's that simple.
after that, clean the fresh virgin paint and let the sun shine on it.
tell me how you like it
David
1994
Lincoln
Mark VIII
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
That's pretty clever David. My problem with that process is this; only my DRIVER'S side is rippled badly. (Haven't a clue how THAT happened either) I'd have to rip up the whole passenger's side and tuck to give it a balanced appearance.
So how did handle the top part of the seal? If tucking it makes it worse, what do you recommend? Leaving it untucked would mean about 1/2 inch of visable seal along the top with around 1/4 inch along the sides, right? Thanks!
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
That's pretty clever David. My problem with that process is this; only my DRIVER'S side is rippled badly. (Haven't a clue how THAT happened either) I'd have to rip up the whole passenger's side and tuck to give it a balanced appearance.
So how did handle the top part of the seal? If tucking it makes it worse, what do you recommend? Leaving it untucked would mean about 1/2 inch of visable seal along the top with around 1/4 inch along the sides, right? Thanks!
scotty96lsc
Registered
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
Very Interesting. Will definately examine that one idea.
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
Very Interesting. Will definately examine that one idea.
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
I just got back from Carlisle.
I noticed a lot of Mark VIII's, especially the darker colored ones had rippled back window seals. Unfortunately the seal is one piece with the window.
If the club can put together a large enough order, possibly Dennis Carpenter or SoftSeal can make a reproduction outer portion. As I understand it the rippling does not affect the sealing of the window, it is only a cosmetic defect. If they would make an outer replacement, you would just need to cut off the outer portion of the seal and glue on the new outer portion. All the seals from 1993-1998 look identical to me. Anyone know if there any differences?
Anyone interested in such a reproduction part?
Alexander
President
Lincolns of Distinction
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
I just got back from Carlisle.
I noticed a lot of Mark VIII's, especially the darker colored ones had rippled back window seals. Unfortunately the seal is one piece with the window.
If the club can put together a large enough order, possibly Dennis Carpenter or SoftSeal can make a reproduction outer portion. As I understand it the rippling does not affect the sealing of the window, it is only a cosmetic defect. If they would make an outer replacement, you would just need to cut off the outer portion of the seal and glue on the new outer portion. All the seals from 1993-1998 look identical to me. Anyone know if there any differences?
Anyone interested in such a reproduction part?
Alexander
President
Lincolns of Distinction
magic_marker
Registered
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
Count me in, provided the price is reasonable.
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
Count me in, provided the price is reasonable.
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
Barry,
I would just tuck both the passanger and driver side, to give it that even look, that way you will have 1/4 trim on the sides and about a 1/2 trim on the top and bottom.
As for the top portion of the window I would recomend you inspect it carefully before you attempt ANYTHING.
This is what happened to me:
All three sides were rippled, I first tucked in the right and left side, no problems. The corner/points of the window were popping out so I had to cut the trim slightly in order to fit all of the rubber into the gap, not to difficult
At this point I was so excited that I was able to hide the ripples I went for the top portion as well. Here is the problem, the closer you get to the center of the window(from R corner to L corner) the less amount of space you have to tuck in the rubber, that gap gets smaller and smaller, which will make it look silly if you tuck it in.
That being the case, I started to CUT the trim in half with small electrical scissors, all of the trim went in fine except for about the last 12" in the center, almost no gap there, so nothing was tucked in the center. If I could do it all again I would have just done the sides for now and then think of something for the top later.
1994 Mark VIII
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
Barry,
I would just tuck both the passanger and driver side, to give it that even look, that way you will have 1/4 trim on the sides and about a 1/2 trim on the top and bottom.
As for the top portion of the window I would recomend you inspect it carefully before you attempt ANYTHING.
This is what happened to me:
All three sides were rippled, I first tucked in the right and left side, no problems. The corner/points of the window were popping out so I had to cut the trim slightly in order to fit all of the rubber into the gap, not to difficult
At this point I was so excited that I was able to hide the ripples I went for the top portion as well. Here is the problem, the closer you get to the center of the window(from R corner to L corner) the less amount of space you have to tuck in the rubber, that gap gets smaller and smaller, which will make it look silly if you tuck it in.
That being the case, I started to CUT the trim in half with small electrical scissors, all of the trim went in fine except for about the last 12" in the center, almost no gap there, so nothing was tucked in the center. If I could do it all again I would have just done the sides for now and then think of something for the top later.
1994 Mark VIII
I may try the superglue trick as I can't afford a new window either.RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
Alexander:
Yes, definitely, I would be in for a replacement. Heck, I'd order two or three for future replacement!
Mine is severely rippled along the driver's side, but less so on the top and passenger side, although it is dried out and bumpy for about 8 - 10 inches on the top a quarter way along toward the driver's side. Appears to be no rhyme or reason for any of it.
--K9Leader
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
Alexander:
Yes, definitely, I would be in for a replacement. Heck, I'd order two or three for future replacement!
Mine is severely rippled along the driver's side, but less so on the top and passenger side, although it is dried out and bumpy for about 8 - 10 inches on the top a quarter way along toward the driver's side. Appears to be no rhyme or reason for any of it.
--K9Leader
scotty96lsc
Registered
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
I just wonder if anyone has done a study as to why this ripple happens. EVERY Mark VIII I've seen around here has that ripple. Some worse than others. Who designed this poor cosmetic piece anyhow?
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
I just wonder if anyone has done a study as to why this ripple happens. EVERY Mark VIII I've seen around here has that ripple. Some worse than others. Who designed this poor cosmetic piece anyhow?
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
>> Who designed this poor cosmetic piece anyhow?
Probably the same guy that designed the Gen 1 headlights, the IAC position in the Gen 1, and the Gen 2 blend door arm, cup holders, and ashtray/cigarette lighter...
John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN
>> Who designed this poor cosmetic piece anyhow?
Probably the same guy that designed the Gen 1 headlights, the IAC position in the Gen 1, and the Gen 2 blend door arm, cup holders, and ashtray/cigarette lighter...
John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN - Alexander
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN - Alexander
Alexander,
Your suggestion has me tingling with anticipation. Perhaps one of the LOD members who is a persuasive salesperson could make a pitch to the seal vendors you mentioned. Potentially, the vendor could be selling a replacement seal to every self respecting Mark VIII owner on the road. Thanks, BA
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN - Alexander
Alexander,
Your suggestion has me tingling with anticipation. Perhaps one of the LOD members who is a persuasive salesperson could make a pitch to the seal vendors you mentioned. Potentially, the vendor could be selling a replacement seal to every self respecting Mark VIII owner on the road. Thanks, BA
BadSax
enjoys 3 martini lunches
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN - Alexander
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN - Alexander
Ok, maybe I'm the big jerk here, but I know other members have done this as well...
Get glass insurance... crack rear window... have auto glass place put in a new one...
http://www.markviii.org/~badsax/smileys/USflagsmall.gif -J http://www.markviii.org/~badsax/smileys/monkes.gif
LOD - New England Member http://www.markviii.org/~badsax/smileys/usa.gif
94' Black on Black Lincoln Mark VIII http://www.markviii.org/~badsax/smileys/burnout.gif
RE: THE FIX, CLEAN - Alexander
Ok, maybe I'm the big jerk here, but I know other members have done this as well...
Get glass insurance... crack rear window... have auto glass place put in a new one...
http://www.markviii.org/~badsax/smileys/USflagsmall.gif -J http://www.markviii.org/~badsax/smileys/monkes.gif
LOD - New England Member http://www.markviii.org/~badsax/smileys/usa.gif
94' Black on Black Lincoln Mark VIII http://www.markviii.org/~badsax/smileys/burnout.gif
RE: rippled rear window seal
If I say pretty, pretty please will you make me a weather seal for my real window. Some one mentioned on another post that 3M had a t-type strip that could be glued down once you cut out the existing seal and with careful cutting would look perfect. Anyone know about a product # for this stuff, 3M's website is huge and I got tired of looking.:7
If I say pretty, pretty please will you make me a weather seal for my real window. Some one mentioned on another post that 3M had a t-type strip that could be glued down once you cut out the existing seal and with careful cutting would look perfect. Anyone know about a product # for this stuff, 3M's website is huge and I got tired of looking.:7