48 DeSoto Steering Column Seal

[alan32433]

I need to replace the steering column seal, the large one that goes on the floor board. The only source I have found is Bernbaum but I'm not sure of the quality. Anyone have experience with this particular seal from Bernbaum, or know of a good source for a reproduction? Thanks for the help.

[RobertKB]

Steele Rubber does sell those but I am not sure if they make them for your car. Check their online catalogue.

[Dodgeb4ya]

I am pretty sure 42-8 Dodge/Chrysler and DeSoto are the same column rubber seal part.

Bob

[alan32433]

Thanks for answering. Yes, that particular seal was shared by all the Mopar's in that time period. Steele rubber does not manufacture it for some reason, I don't know why. The seal on both my 48's was totally decayed as was all the "junk yard" cars I have looked at over the past few years. It seems like the part would be more available, but Bernbaum is the only one I have found. Before I spend the $90, I was hoping I could find someone who had purchased it from him. In the end, I suppose if that's the only one I can find I will have to take the chance, especially considering that I am at the "reassembly" stage of my restoration.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Thanks for answering. Yes, that particular seal was shared by all the Mopar's in that time period. Steele rubber does not manufacture it for some reason, I don't know why. The seal on both my 48's was totally decayed as was all the "junk yard" cars I have looked at over the past few years. It seems like the part would be more available, but Bernbaum is the only one I have found. Before I spend the $90, I was hoping I could find someone who had purchased it from him. In the end, I suppose if that's the only one I can find I will have to take the chance, especially considering that I am at the "reassembly" stage of my restoration.

At only $90.00 -I'd be wary for a really nice NOS or NORS from Andy. That's quite a complicated piece of moulded rubber! A picture of a spare for my cars-these are really hard to find with good rubber.

Bob

[DonaldSmith]

I refurbished my steering column seal, in place, on the car. I filled the cracks with Shoe Goop . I had to build up something to go around the shift rod. I wrapped carpet around the rod, pile side in, and built up the outside Shoe Goop. I sprayed the seal with a tool dip spray. The seal has looked good for years now.

[alan32433]

My seal is far beyond the restoration stage. The rubber base of the column seal is actually molded around a sheet metal piece. Mine has decayed down to the metal with very little rubber remaining. Rubber and plastic parts didn't weather very well here in the south, nor did steering wheels. Fortunately I found a steering wheel that could be restored. Still looking for running board rubber too. There's a guy on ebay who reproduces those in urethane, but the cost is almost $500.

Thanks for the information!