Question on channel across trunk opening on Plym.

[BobT-47P15]

That little channel that runs across the trunk opening has been missing ever since I've had the car. (1)Does it run all the way across, or take a break for the latch? (2) How deep is it.....and how tall or wide is the channel?

Reason for asking is I have purchased a piece of trunk rubber strip, and have placed it in the channel the lid closes into. (I actually think the rubber attaches to the lid, but am taking the easy way out.) I cut the rubber stip to stop on each side of the opening...for now. My son-in-law can use a piece of sheet metal and a brake to fashion a new channel if we know the necessary dimensions.

Any pictures of this area, and/or measurements would be appreciated.

Thanks. Bob

[Norm's Coupe]

Bob,

Can't say for sure but it looks like you aren't missing anything there. I'll take a look at mine tomorrow for you. Seems like mine looks like yours though.

[BobT-47P15]

Norm, you can see several little dots along the edge.....that where the old channel was either tacked or riveted on.

[greg g]

Other than the new rubber, I am 99% sure mine was original, and there is nothing there but the rubber. And I guess the best argument for having the gasket on the body.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I just walked out to the barn to verify..my 1948 Plymouth sedan has an extremely solid body..rockers and floors included..(apples and oranges?) has a U-channel all around the trunk opening...as does both 41 Dodges, the 52 Plymouth and my 54 Plymouth...as you have residue medal in what appear spot welds...I would think your piece is MIA over the years of service..not uncommon..these areas are very prone to rust

[BobT-47P15]

Maybe I should invest in some good glue.......

The rubber strip I used (bought from the guy who sells on ebay) is new, looks like this. Not sure if it's same as original.....probably not.

I just put it in the channel with the "U" up, seems to work OK.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Sad to say..there are times and places where there is just not an easy way out..

[BobT-47P15]

Often times I just end up "getting close" these days. Not exactly correct/original, but works ok.

So, I just (for now) shortened the rubber strip and called it good. Still have the other short piece to span the gap later.

Another example.....made my own trunk liner panels using the heavy cardboard (poster board) purchased at Hobby Lobby. When I get the car upholstered by a professional, will have him make trunk panels too.

Made it where the bottom 12 inches of the part behind the seat can be opened to allow storage between the hump and seat cushion. Have a second bumper jack back there along with two tubes of sand for some weight...makes the car feel a little heavier and not so "tinny".

[Jeff.P_46]

Shouldn't the weather strip be attached to the trunk lid so water doesn't collect along/under the weather strip (allowing rust to get a foot hold)? I think the channel was originally meant to "channel" water out?

Jeff

[Norm's Coupe]

I STAND CORRECTED!!

Just checked that channel in my trunk. As Tim mentioned the channel should be all the way around the bottom of the trunk too. Guess I never noticed that before.

As for the weatherstrip, that is attached to the trunk deck lid, not in the channel. That seems to make since to me. You want the channel clear so any water that does get in there doesn't stay there. If it's clear it will just roll to the bottom and out.

[BobT-47P15]

I have seen the rubber attached to the lid on other cars, and was intending to glue it to my lid. However, for now, it was quicker and easier to place it in the channel. The car normally does not get out in the rain, nor do I wash it. I usually just wipe it off then wax it from time to time. Thanks for the input.

[Norm's Coupe]

Bob,

You sound like me now. I usually just wash the whitewalls. The rest of the car just gets cleaned off with the California Duster.

As for making that channel on a brake, I'm not sure you can do that. If you look at the rest of the channel it's more of a rolled edge on there. If you had access to a bead roller and used the 1/2" bead wheel along that edge it would probably come out just right. That's how I rounded the bottom edge on that piece I made that holds the headliner in over the door. The new piece is the bottom piece and both pieces are upside down in the picture, so the bottoms are at the top.