| In this segment of Eastwood Garage, Dennis is joined by our good friend, Walter Vaughan from Steele Rubber Products. Today’s project car is a beautifully restored 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible. Walter and Dennis have seen this beauty before when they replaced the trunk seal a few months back. Well, this time it is the front of the car that needs attention, as Dennis noted that the car’s owner said that there was some rattle connected with the hood. So, with a pull of the latch, Dennis and Walter had a look at the problem.
Upon the first look, Walter recognizes that the hood rattle is truly “rubber related.” Upon closer inspection, he determines that bumpers and the cowl seal are the problem. First of all, there are six hood ledge bumpers (three on each side of the car) that have worn and become stiff with age. These parts simply pop out and then can be easily inserted, especially if warm soapy water is used to lubricate them. Next, there are a set of hood bumpers at the front of the vehicle that also need replacing. With a few quick turns of a wrench to remove the bolts they are mounted on, these parts can be replaced. It is also important to remember that when replacing these parts, some additional adjustments may be necessary for the hood to close correctly. There is also a rear center bumper at the back of the hood that ensures a precise fit and is an easy replacement as well. Continuing to inspect the back of the hood, Dennis and Walter spot the next problem, a worn and cracked cowl seal. What was once a pliable piece of rubber has now turned into a stiff and cracked seal that can no longer do its job in keeping the engine fumes where they should be, under the hood and not escaping into the air returns that will allow those fumes into the car! So, while this piece also functions to prevent excessive rattle with the hood, it is also a safety issue as well! To remove the cowl seal, simply pull loose the clips that are attaching it to the hood—a screwdriver works well. Then to reinstall the new seal, first measure the seal to make sure it fits, and then work from one side to the other, inserting the clips where they will align with the holes. There you have it! Safe and rattle free!
Now the main thing to remember here is that all of these parts are available from Steele Rubber Products, and they have everything you need whether it is just one piece or everything for the entire restoration. If you would like more information on these products, or if you would like to see if they have what you need to restore your classic car, just give them a visit on the web at www.steelerubber.com. By the way, don’t forget when you are looking for unique automotive tools and supplies for your automobile restoration, you should give the folks at Eastwood a visit at www.eastwood.com
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