Topic: Widshield Cowl Seal

[bukdwn]

I want to replace the windshield cowl gasket with a new one. I was wondering if i can install the new seal upside down.  The exterior rubber that faces up seems to me would hold water/ moister. I had cut mine off years ago thinking this could be the problem of the leeks i was having.  I live on the coast and I'm all ways chasing the rot and rust.   I have never replaced the seal.   What do you guy's think, will it work?    1995 YJ    Thanks,  James...

[Jeffy]

No it only goes in one way because of the slant of the windshield frame.  The upper lip should be flush with the windshield frame if you have it all lined up properly.

[bukdwn]

  I have not yet purchased one yet. What is the reason for the upper lip?  If correctly installed could or would you recommend removing the lip?   Also,  I've seen the cowl seal on EBAY,   Aftermarket ones.   Has anybody bought/used one of these?  OEM is always best in my opinion but the cost of one from the jeep dealer is ridicules!  Thanks for the help, 

[Jeffy]

The lip is not just on top but below as well.  It's to keep air from pushing into the seam.

And yes, I have changed mine out.  It's a PITA to get right.  The new seals seem to be a lot thicker then the OEM.  Or else they don't compress as easily.  Makes it difficult to line up the windshield frame again.

There is no OEM either.  They're all typically made from the same company.  Dealers typically hold onto parts for 10-12 years after the last model rolls off the line so parts can be scarce.

[neale_rs]

In the picture it looks like the new seal is made of a different material, more solid rubber instead of foam.  Mine is still the old foam type and tends to collect dirt and plant matter in the upper lip.

[sharpxmen]

it's the same, i bought one too - if you look at it from the side where it's cut it's the same type of material, the old one it's just aged that's why it shows the spongy texture.

[Jeffy]

it's the same, i bought one too - if you look at it from the side where it's cut it's the same type of material, the old one it's just aged that's why it shows the spongy texture.

Yup, they're the same.  I don't quite like how the bottom doesn't sit flush though.

[bukdwn]

Thanks for the info! I guess i will be buyin one from ebay. 

[sharpxmen]

Thanks for the info! I guess i will be buyin one from ebay. 

$37 with free shipping, it's made by Omix-ADA - that's where i got mine from and i remember that the price was right if you consider shipping. They seem to also have an extra 5% off going right now if you use 5SAVE promo code
http://www.oconeeoffroad.com/servlet/the-779/New-Jeep-1987-dsh-95-YJ/Detail

[Jeffy]

OE $36 on Qtech.  http://www.quadratec.com/products/12501_11.htm

This is the one I'm using.

[bukdwn]

Thanks guy's, I will be ordering from Quadratec.  I've had good luck with them so far..  I can see now that this seal can not be installed upside down.  Thanks again for the help.    James...