Best choice for top gasket between cab and cap?

[utherjorge]

I will need to replace the gasket behind the cab, between the cab and the fiberglass cap.

I have seen the LMC stuff. Am I missing a better choice for gaskets? I have previously tried to find OEM stuff...is there a good source for it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dyeager535]

Have you tried finding the GM part numbers on this board? There have been a few posts on the seals. Once you get the part number, you can google it, although scoggin-dickey's part number search is pretty good.

Last I checked most are discontinued, but not all. You can also save a search on ebay for the part number, which will send you an email when one pops up.

 

[utherjorge]

I searched all over to check GM parts places that had OEM stuff. I finally found one, and ordered it...and then got an e-mail today that the part is discontinued and got a refund.

The search continues.

 

[Deuling]

I got the classic parts one. Quality seemed good, but what a pain in the a$$ to put it on as it comes in a roll and doesnt really want to keep that arc shape when you put it on. Ended up using lots of weather strip adhesive.

 

[Deuling]

Well im talkin about the lower gasket... Is that what you mean? Or the upper?

 

[utherjorge]

I will actually need the gasket that attaches to the metal on the cab as well as the one that goes at the same location on the top of the fiberglass cap, the spot that rests against the cab metal. Both were rotted, which explains the multiple rust spots I have. I'm grinding, filling, etc...but new gaskets are a necessity.

 

[Deuling]

Ok. Yah I got the lower from classic parts. The upper one on the topper i bought wasn't in bad shape so I left it.

 

[utherjorge]

I know you hoon your K all over. How long has that gasket been on for you, if I may ask? How has it held up?

 

[Deuling]

Put it on last spring. Old one used to leak, no leaks yet. Haven't taken the top off since though

 

[dyeager535]

Sad, you are right, appears both of those have been discontinued. Found the posts where they were still available, they were ~$50/each. Sorry.

I can say that even though I dislike all aftermarket seals, LMC made things right (as much as they could) when they shipped me defective seals. I have no complaints about how they dealt with my order/refund/parts.

The mix of GM and LMC seals I put on my top assembly (I replaced all of them) seem to all be holding up well, I had the top off this summer, and they have been on the top at least 4-5 years now.

Make sure to coat them all in dielectric grease where they don't need to be glued, to try and help keep them pliable, and from sticking to whatever they mate to. (bedrails to top, cap to top, etc)

 

[utherjorge]

Brian, thanks.

Yeager: no worries. I actually was hoping to fix something if I had received it, since the numbers seemed to be reversed around the interwebs where I was looking. I'll check out the stuff Brian was saying and go from there.

I use lithium grease on my minivan gaskets to keep the doors from sticking. That should work here, yes?

The gaskets on the cap have the consistency of nerf foam and load up with water, so they're obviously ca ca.

 

[dyeager535]

I am not sure about lithium grease. I know rubber compounds react to certain chemicals, and GM recommends/recommended dielectric grease for their seals. It might simply be for aesthetics since it's clear, or there may be another reason. Dielectric grease seems even thinner than vaseline, but it doesn't melt and run off in the sun. Picks up dust, but I prefer the seal to hold up vs. how clean it looks.

 

[utherjorge]

Ordered the two seals from Classic Parts. Here we go!