ianc2051
Active Member
- Posts
- 156
- Location
- Northam in N.Devon
So I decided to replace these as I could feel that the upper corners were starting to come away and I'm hoping that the water leaks in to the footwells might be held back a bit. Yes a fairly simple job but there are aggravations which now I've experienced them, I can hopefully help you avoid. The removal of the vent flap is straightforward - two hinge pins and two small bolts per side.
Place the vent panel on a soft surface to prevent damage to the paint and rip off by hand as much of the old seal as possible. Now using a hot air gun and a broad bladed screwdriver lightly scrape the remainder off - it doesn't have to be perfect. This is where I nearly messed up - I knew that the new seal (Britpart Pt No JAE000030) was self adhesive but the backing paper HAS to be removed again using the hot air gun. Best to have a second pair of hands peeling the paper off in short sections interspersed with a touch of hot air. I thought the backing paper would just peel away without heat but if you do so it will rip the seal - I just stopped myself in time.
Next - although the seal without the backing paper seems very sticky and will do it's job, it soon peels away when you attach it to the panel, so reinforce the contact with Bostik or similar impact adhesive. I'm leaving mine to fully cure overnight in the warm because when you start to fit the panel back, you can't help contacting the seal with your fingers thus pulling the seal off the panel.
It's also best to fit the least accessible of the two attachment bolts (per side) first - it can be a bit fiddly.
Place the vent panel on a soft surface to prevent damage to the paint and rip off by hand as much of the old seal as possible. Now using a hot air gun and a broad bladed screwdriver lightly scrape the remainder off - it doesn't have to be perfect. This is where I nearly messed up - I knew that the new seal (Britpart Pt No JAE000030) was self adhesive but the backing paper HAS to be removed again using the hot air gun. Best to have a second pair of hands peeling the paper off in short sections interspersed with a touch of hot air. I thought the backing paper would just peel away without heat but if you do so it will rip the seal - I just stopped myself in time.
Next - although the seal without the backing paper seems very sticky and will do it's job, it soon peels away when you attach it to the panel, so reinforce the contact with Bostik or similar impact adhesive. I'm leaving mine to fully cure overnight in the warm because when you start to fit the panel back, you can't help contacting the seal with your fingers thus pulling the seal off the panel.
It's also best to fit the least accessible of the two attachment bolts (per side) first - it can be a bit fiddly.
