Recall seal?

[GTRS Fiero]

At the 35th, I saw Fieros both with and without the recall decklid seal that goes on the front edge of the decklid.

Then, I saw a Fiero that had the recall seal, but someone had cut the rubber part off.  This would seem to address the problem with having the seal (the reason it was removed), and the unfinished appearance issue of not having the seal.

Comments?

[GTRS Fiero]

Hmmm.  There was this.

[Fierofool]

Removing the rubber and leaving the metal strip and clips would only be of any use as a cosmetic. 

[GTRS Fiero]

It is the best of both worlds: cosmetic appeal, but no issue with dumping water on anything.

[Fierofool]

I don't see any issue with dumping water onto the manifold.  If the seal is in place, water runs off either end, away from the manifold.  If the car is parked on a flat surface, water still runs off either end and only a small amount of water could be retained on top of the seal.  I think the biggest issue, at least what I've experienced, is the collection of leaves that build up between the seal and the body while the car is parked.  They don't blow away with driving, and unless removed by hand, can fall onto the manifold of the V6 or onto the catalytic converter of all models whenever the decklid is opened. 

[GTRS Fiero]

So, removing the rubber part would solve cosmetic and leaf/fire issues.

[Fierofool]

My opinion is that removing it may increase the chance of fires.  At least with it in place you are aware of leaves and can remove them.  Without it they fall to the manifold without you knowing.  I had smoldering leaves on the Formula Fastback when I first got it running.  No seal on the deck lid.

[GTRS Fiero]

Well, I plan to eventually install my seal.

[GTRS Fiero]

I installed the seal.  It holds a LOT of water.  After going through a car wash, I drove more than an hour on a dry day.  I parked in my dry carport.  The next morning, I opened the decklid, and what looked like 2+ cups of water fell onto the exhaust.

The seal does help keep the rear window cooler.

[GTRS Fiero]

The ends of the seal curve a bit, holding water.

[Fierofool]

That was just 2 cups of water.  Imagine how much could flow down on the manifold in an overnight rain if the seal weren't there.  I like it because it retains leaves.  Leaves that can be removed before opening the lid, rather than letting them fall into the engine bay if the seal weren't there. 

[GTRS Fiero]

It will catch the leaves.  Since the center drops more eater than the ends, I may have to make some modifications.

[Fierofool]

After the paint job, mine was just stuck back in there and not clipped to the deck lid.  Leaves are collecting between the lid and seal and are difficult to remove without opening the lid.  At least the water drains continuously.

There are clips located behind the hinge areas.  I suppose you could leave those clips, cut away the rubber seal portion behind the hinge and that would eliminate the end curl.  It might allow the water to drain at each end. 

[GTRS Fiero]

I'll likely do that, or attach the other end by the window.