Kev - sorry to hear a problem like that - may be the wrong 'brand', but old rubber will be hard, not soft .... if the ones you've had were from SoffSeal [sp?] I understand, try
Steele Rubber part #70-1714-50 $68.20/ea, no reveal molding [63 GM truck] ..... it'll be right - if the previous ones were from Steele and wouldn't work, they should give ya satisfaction
Bill