The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Rubber cowel vent gasket

Hey guys, I recently got a rubber cowel vent gasket for my '54. The problem is that it appears to be to big--especially around the corners. It is so big that I really can't see getting it in there without cutting. I found this thread but it didn't really give me a good answer. So my question is, are most people using a rubber gasket, and what did you have to do to make it fit? If it fit without hassle, what vendor did you use? A picture or two would be very nice as well if possible. Thanks.

I used weatherstripping adhesive, (the black 3M stuff) I think mine was about the same as you describe, but I didn't cut or modify mine at all. I applied the adhesive, and you have to kind of "squish" the gasket together and stick it down. It will work. The adhesive, if used properly, will bond instantly so you don't have to worry about the gasket sliding around and pushing up or wrinkling. Once you get it stuck down, close the cowl vent and leave it closed for a day or two until the adhesive cures completely. You'll do fine.

I have found that some of the rubber gaskets are a lot thicker than the old cork type. Maybe the old cork type just flatten out over time?? Point is that with the thick rubber gasket the vent wants to stay "up" a little and not seal off real good because the handle doesn't catch in the right spot as the vent won't come down. Sometimes I have had to put a lot stronger spring on it to "make" it stay pulled down. I think next time, on my 52, I'm going with an original type! All this is just my thought and opinon as well as my experience with it.

Hmm... I'm starting to think the rubber gasket I have just isn't the right one. It just doesn't fit very well at all. I don't think it will fit in there without severely buckling, even when using the adhesive. I may look into an original type since I don't think the one I have is going to work. I'll try to get a picture posted here so you can see what I mean. Thanks.

Maybe I didn't read close enough. Is your gasket solid rubber? Mine is sponge rubber.

Yeah, it is solid rubber. I'll try to get a picture in the next day or so--that might better explain my fitment problem.

here is a couple of shots of the solid rubber gasket that i put on my 50.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2848817660099732965DQQFvU

it is a little thick and does make the vent door stand a little "proud" but with a little adjustment on the lever and linkage, it seals just fine.

sorry the pictures are sideways. forgot to edit that before i posted them and now i can't seem to get them rotated.