IS it worth it to buy rear window seals off of a parted out truck if they're in good shape? I've heard to replace the seals is a total bastard, but if they need to be done they need to be done right?
First question is
1) Can i put off the replacement by filling them with a waterproof epoxy/caulk/gasket sealer of some type?
2) If i do need to replace them can i use "new to me" parts as opposed to going to AB or someone and paying 50-$60 per seal as it seems i need both big rears plus the cargo door, and i suppose i may as well do the alpines too.

Thoughts on how to keep this cheap? Why can't i just caulk the mess out of em?

 

Windows seals have gone though their own lifecycle. Meaning that they will eventually fail, probably right after or during the install.....

From looking at the other rubber parts from these vehicles, they do not fair well with time.....

 

Sonmaybe not worth it to salvage unless someone was keeping em nice and plump throughout the lifetime. Bummer. Maybe I'll just caulk em.

 

I filled both of my rear side glass seals with a mixture of liquid silicone. I cut a slit in the top and just poored it down in. The silicone sealed everything up perfect. I can put you on the right path for the material if you want. The silicone can be pigmented black to match. You can use silicone, polyurethane, rubber, ETC. ETC.

 

How is that for removal down the road though? I guess the hope is that with the right seal you never have to remove them huh? Haha. Yeah that'd be great. Everything I do on this rig has to be safe and effective first and then cheap

 

Silicone can be easily be removed if needed.....

 

Non-sticking and seals tight.

 

I wouldn't use used seals.
Replacing them isn't really difficult if you know what you're doing. Removal time is about 10 min. Install time is about 15-20 minutes. Additional time is needed for cleaning the glass and body work.

 

So tom, do you think going with LRD2's plan and just ffilling em is the best way? It sound slike it to me. I want to just not worry about the ingress of water and i want the solution to be cheap and easy.

 

Certainly cheapest.