Classic/Antique Car Repair/car pdoor seal

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Expert: - 4/5/2008


Question
The black gasket door seal is torn and a piece about 3 inches long and an inch wide is missing on the surface.  The gasket is still attached to the door frame without any tears or pieces missing at the base.  My elderly father must have rubbed against it as he was getting in the car. Can it be repaired or does the whole gasket need to be replaced?

Answer
I have never had luck repairing door gaskets although a couple of guys say they have. If is not sealing and letting water into the car, take a trip through Hemmings Motor News and get a new gasket. There are several companies that make good replacements.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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