Tailgate rubber seal (not for hard top) question

jblues1969

jblues1969

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Waxhaw, NC
I had to replace my tailgate seal, since it was sagging in the middle and preventing me from closing the tailgate properly.

The replacement I got from Amazon had 3M adhesive strips, but my tailgate appears to have a channel for the seal to slip into (and it's not in great shape, leading to why the seal was sagging).

I managed to get it into the bottom channel, but there's no way to get it into the side channels and now I'm thinking I should remove the channels altogether (or at least the side ones) and just let the adhesive do its thing.

Anybody got some wisdom to share on this?
 
Did you order the tailgate bar (1 piece) or just some stick-on seal? Sounds like you need a new bar.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VLF990/?tag=wranglerorg-20


mastertop-tailgate-bar-yj-tj-installed-closeup.jpg
 
That's not the part I'm talking about. I'm talking about the rubber seal around the three sides of the actual tailgate. #17 in this diagram.

1672149927066.png
 
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I don't know how the Amazon seal works but as you said, the OEM seal slides into plastic channels. The channels are held on with strong adhesive. If your's does not fit into the channels then I think you need to remove the channels if you want to use that Amazon seal. The channel adhesive is very sticky and hard to remove. A heat gun helps.
 
It's kind of weird how little information there is online about this particular weatherseal. I can't even find a picture of those channels on google image search.

Regardless - if anyone finds this thread and is replacing the lower weatherseal - the best advice is to remove the existing channels and use the adhesive strip.
 
jblues1969 said:
It's kind of weird how little information there is online about this particular weatherseal. I can't even find a picture of those channels on google image search.

Regardless - if anyone finds this thread and is replacing the lower weatherseal - the best advice is to remove the existing channels and use the adhesive strip.
Click to expand...

What year is your Jeep? Your avatar shows an LJ. I thought only the early models 1997-1998 had channels on the door trims.
 
Not sure about the tailgate, but with the older doors, you remove the channel and I believe you drill holes for the new trim barbs to go in. You may have to search on here regarding replacing door trim on the 1997 doors.
 
Andy-WhiteTJ said:
What year is your Jeep? Your avatar shows an LJ. I thought only the early models 1997-1998 had channels on the door trims.
Click to expand...

Mine is 02 and has the channels.

Which brand and part numbers did you get for the replacement? I read a lot of reviews of poor fit with aftermarket seals. Will need to do this at some point on mine.
 
jblues1969 said:
I ordered from Amazon. Appears to be a good fit, channel notwithstanding.
[URL][URL]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5GYMH4/?tag=wranglerorg-20[/URL][/URL]

I do not recommend installing this with the 3M adhesive when the temp is below 32 degrees - it simply doesn't stick in the cold.

I had the trim barb holes already.

Funny! I thought since the tailgate had a vent it would be from a 04-06 model.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Your tailgate is 03+ if it has the vent.

And for my future reference in case the link goes bad:

APDTY 140289 Tailgate Lower Rubber Weatherstrip Seal (Seals Bottom & Sides) $37.94​

 
Following up -

Today I removed the channel completely from the tailgate and used 3M tape to attach the seal all the way around. Provided it sticks, I'm much happier with the fit and how the tailgate closes.
 
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