Windshield Vents Gasket
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 8:44 pm
Windshield Vents Gasket
I've replaced the gaskets on my windshield vents a couple of times, using regular gasket material (weatherstrip) aimed for household applications, found at the regular hardware store.
This idea came some years ago, since these gaskets are very hard to come by, if not impossible. Also, some material that you might be able to source, won't withstand the constant sun exposure as the original ones since they are applied to the frame.
The simple fix was to apply the gaskets to the underside of the vents. Totally protected from sun exposure. They're dirt cheap, and the last time lasted about 8 years, and that time they were foam material. These ones are rubber. No drafts whatsoever, so winter won't be a major issue.
I used: Duck Brand 1282289 3/8-Inch-by 1/4-Inch-by 17-Feet Premium Rubber Weatherstrip Insulating Seal, Super D Profile. I split in half, so the amount of material you have is big. By the way, I started running the length needed for a vent, placing it at the top part, with equal halves overhanging. Separated at that point the protective backing for the adhesive part, and worked my way down, and finally joined the two ends at the bottom middle of the vent. There's so much material and so cheap, that a mistake is easily taken care discarding the whole portion for a vent.
I've replaced the gaskets on my windshield vents a couple of times, using regular gasket material (weatherstrip) aimed for household applications, found at the regular hardware store.
This idea came some years ago, since these gaskets are very hard to come by, if not impossible. Also, some material that you might be able to source, won't withstand the constant sun exposure as the original ones since they are applied to the frame.
The simple fix was to apply the gaskets to the underside of the vents. Totally protected from sun exposure. They're dirt cheap, and the last time lasted about 8 years, and that time they were foam material. These ones are rubber. No drafts whatsoever, so winter won't be a major issue.
I used: Duck Brand 1282289 3/8-Inch-by 1/4-Inch-by 17-Feet Premium Rubber Weatherstrip Insulating Seal, Super D Profile. I split in half, so the amount of material you have is big. By the way, I started running the length needed for a vent, placing it at the top part, with equal halves overhanging. Separated at that point the protective backing for the adhesive part, and worked my way down, and finally joined the two ends at the bottom middle of the vent. There's so much material and so cheap, that a mistake is easily taken care discarding the whole portion for a vent.
Thanks a bunch Esteban. Something so hard to find....seems like the silly little things do add up and this one is important. 
