MGB & GT Forum

Hello all,

Over this cold season I replaced the rear hatch seals on my '68 GT, among many other things. The outer was shot, and the inner was pretty well dried out. After I got it all put back together the hatch was very hard to get latched. This wasn't completely unexpected and my hope is/was that it will "break in" over time and get better. I did adjust the latch to make it easier to latch closed but this proved to be a big problem. What I didn't notice at the time was the huge gap between the seal and the body on the lower edge. After an hour drive being exposed to exhaust fumes, i investigated and saw the gap. I spent a good amount of time that evening trying to adjust the latch to get rid of the gap. Unfortunately I cannot completely eliminate it. The way it is right now you have to slam the hatch extremely hard to get it to catch. Most of the gap is gone, but not all of it. I believe it is enough that I won't die driving it, but I can still smell a small amount of exhaust when driving. Well, driving with the drivers window down. Counter intuitively it's fine with the window up and the blower running.

The gap I still have is on the lower left corner and I just can't seem to eliminate it. It wasn't an issue with the old seal but that seal was destroyed when I removed it and it's long gone.

Has anyone else run into this? Is there a solution, possibly a softer seal?

Thanks,
Robert Loose

An open window produces an extract effect sucking in exhaust fumes. The heater blows aif into the car making the cabin a high pressure area.
When I renewed my hatch seal, I had to adjust the hinges. You could be over compressing the top of the seal preventing the bottom from closing. Shut a thin strip of paper or cloth in the seal. With the hatch shut, it should be trapped all the way round.

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John
1978 MGB GT UK spec

Yes, I agree, counter intuitive though. You get exhaust fumes, roll down the window, it gets worse!


I thought about that. I did try to install washers between the hinge and the hatch and it didn't seem to help. Maybe I need more shim.

I wouldn't hold your breath hoping the new seal will compress over time. My new seal has been in for years and nothing has changed. The hatch still doesn't fit as well as it used to. Don't know what your solution will be, but good luck.

Steve

☹️

“
I thought about that. I did try to install washers between the hinge and the hatch and it didn't seem to help. Maybe I need more shim.”

Maybe you need better quality seals (ie softer) McGregor and https://www.justmgb.com/product/mgb-gt-v8-mgc-gt-oem-rear-tailgate-outer-seal-all-years-ahh9778/
The latter sells seals made in the U.K. by the original manufacturer whereas virtually every one else sells Chinese made hard rubber

I will for sure be ordering from them. I just need to reach out to them and find out if you order 1 ( for the inner seal) for the whole hatch or if you order it by the foot/yard/meter.

Thanks!

I replaced the hatch seals with the Moss parts years ago and was disappointed with the fit and effectiveness. Later I replaced the longer Moss seal attached to the hatch with the MacGregor seal that attaches to the body opening. This works much better.

I would also check with Martin MacGregor, His seals are a proper fit ! ( my opinion and the ones that I have purchased from him) Just give him a ring. Rich

I ordered the inner and outer seal, and new door seals, while I was at it from Just MGB. Thanks for the help and suggestions.

B