The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 1952 Carryall "Carrie"

Hi out there - Anybody have any experience in repairing a clamshell top lift gate in good condition? Mine has cracks in the metal where the hinges bolt on.
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Thank you -

personal buying/selling should take place in the Swap Meet
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Weatherstripping for a '52 suburban clamshell...

Found a great welder for the hinge repair. Now the next problem - anybody have a supplier for the rubber weather seal for the upper and lower clamshells? Most suppliers don't seem to have this product - any luck with more generalized part solutions?

Thank you

Do you have a sample?
If you do, post links to a few pictures - include a cross-section shot.

I would bet Steele has the stuff your looking for. Search the catalog and find the right profile. If they don't have it vehicle specific you can order the closest profile by the foot. Just give them a call.

I have removed some of the old weatherstripping. It has the same cross-section as the new door weatherstrip. However, I don't think it is correct or stock, because the gap shows air all around.

So I called Steele Rubber, and they provided a great suggestion: use some modeling clay; shape into a cylinder larger in diameter than the gap between the clamshell and the body; wrap in plastic wrap, feed into the gap, and shut the gate. Then cut the end of the clay with a sharp razor blade. The resulting shape should be a very good exact fit.

Anybody ever try this?

appreciate any insight you all can provide.

No, but Steele are the experts in the field. Follow their suggestion and you will be fine.

That will give you the shape profile you need. Then what are you going to do?

I found a fellow in Oxnard CA who is apparently a clamshell expert. But after the clay was removed and sectioned, I now have a good idea on what the compressed weatherstrip looks like. Going to go with a larger cross section and see how that works -

Hi I have a question regarding frame off restorations. Is it really necessary to fix up my 53 suburban to a good quality "driver quality" can anyone give me a ballpark figure it would cost and would I just go to a body shop for this to be done? Thanks, kyron

No it is not necessary to frame off restore one. Get it mechanically sound and drive it. Click on the link to my Suburban to see an example.

Kyron, click on my photobucket link below to see a frame off resto of my panel. $$$ spent depends on condition you start with. However, dropping 10-15 grand is easy, 15-20 will get you a nice job....if you do all the work yourself and want stuff new, nice used, repop or what ever you can find!!!

EDIT: it is not unusual for some to put north of 25 into one. Again, it depends on how much you do, and how much help from others. I'm not scared of talking numbers. My rust bucket had LOTS of work to do, check the photo's, and I'm north of 18 grand and haven't added up some stuff. That's with new motor/trans/wheels/tires/brake system, exhaust system, interior (headliner not in yet) new floor pans, All glass, new radiator, PS pump, alternator, grille, bumpers, wiring.... and the list goes on and on. I think you can see the point. Or, like Cletus, find you a good one and keep on trucking. I just enjoy the work/build. I even had some free stuff given to me!
Oh, and did I mention the 6 years working on it!!

From what i found out, most people use the standard door weatherstripping for the clamshells, both the top and bottom lift gate. I plan on using a slightly larger profile of the weatherstrip gasket. Armand says that they never seal at 100%, but many do come close.

He also said that the hinges need to be lubricated often to work properly, with a light grease. Hope this helps folks out there with Clamshell suburbans in need of weatherstripping.

Best Regards, All

Hi I'm new and I have a 53 suburban. My clamshell hinges both top and bottom need repair. I live in Ventura, next door to Oxnard. Could you share any contact info on this person? Thanks, kyron

What repair do they need?

Pretty bad. The top right hinge is completely torn out of body and the two bottoms are cracked around hinge on tailgate and rust issues as well.

Hi Kyron, PM me and I'll ask him if he's available. Best, Riverdancer

We repaired the cracked lift gate yesterday. Welded in a new small plate around the top to accept the hinges.
Painted and lubed the hinges. reinstalled the window glass with a new seal from Steele Rubber.
Then installed the liftgate-to-body gasket (same gasket is used on the front two doors). And then, Reassembled all parts - it works very well!

Lifts and closes easily, and mates well to the body. A successful repair!

Congratulations

Post links to photos so we can see what you have done.

While my 52 suburban is at body shop, I need to find the glass for all four side windows. I thought I saw some on a parts website, but can't recall which one. As long as I have the cracked glass for a template, is it more cost effective to just have them made at auto glass shop?

As long as you have the original glass, I would take them To your local glass shop. You'll save some money doing so.

Tim

I whole hearted agree with Tim but I must warn you. Local shops around here do a good job but I have found that they will leave it "straight cut" unless you mention it to them before they cut it. I insist that the lady or man who writes up the order to be sure to note on the ticket that the EDGES must smoothed. I learned the hard way. I still use the same shop but I do have to tell them.

Thanks guys I appreciate your advice. Kyron