Front Vent Seal Replacement

[Campbell]

I don't seem to have any seals around the vents under the windshield. I think this is where some water is coming from. Where can I buy these and how are the installed?
Thanks,
Rich

[chrisvonc]

Rovers Down South and Rovers North should have them.
Take a look at this write up for installing:
http://www.d-90.com/mod/vent_seal/index.html

[roverboy]

I did the exact conversion that my friend Dave Souza wrote about on that thread. I think the reason he did the conversion was because he saw how good mine turned out and what a difference it made. I would absolutely recommend installing the series III seals as opposed to new seals for a defender.

The series III seals fit perfectly and are made of real rubber, not the inferior foam material that the d-90 seals are made from. Installation is as quick and straightforward as Dave wrote.

I think every d-90 owner would benefit by making this change. The difference it makes weatherproofing and soundproofing is unbelievable, and once you take out your old seals you'll be shocked (and probably disgusted) at how crappy the originals are. Try Nathan Crabtree at Discount Rovers, or Rovers Down South...I think the seals set me back about $20 a few years ago.

[Eric Siepmann]

I read the front vent seal replacement in the custom mods section and decided to replace my seals this weekend. For those who have done this are there any tricks involved? Wht adhesive reccomendation? I was thinking black RTV sealant? Industrial Glue?

TIA,

EwS

[mattdh]

i ordered the series seals and thought they where way to big.good fit around the vent but rather fat,though i was going to bend the vent trying to get it closed. i sent them back.somebody said trim the seal? the article in the mods section didnt say anything about trimming?eric what seals did you buy?

[howellm70]

I bought the series 3 seals about 2 years ago and they fit perfect...Matt, are you sure you got the right ones.

Eric, I used some 3m adhesive you can get at home depot but don't remember the exact name. Replacing the seals is one of the best mods for the $ I've ever done.

[Eric Siepmann]

I got them from George at RDS. They are in route and he said they were a straight fit just have to glue them to the bulkhead.

3M Sounds good, I'll get some tonight. I hope they work because they do look good on the truck and mine are shot and leaking...

Thanks guys,

EwS

[TDI Guy]

Eric, just glue them in with the 3m black adhesive then have someone push on the vent from the outside as you close it and lock it from the inside for the first time. It may need the extra force the first few times when the seals are new and snug. After a while, they will mold to the seals and you will have no problem.

[Eric Siepmann]

Thanks! Let's hope the weather clears here in chicago this weekend!

EwS

[snuffer]

I used a clear silicon caulking. It is somewhat adhesive and stays flexible. If you ever need to remove the seal it will come off much easier with the silicon.

I installed a set several months ago using the method on the tech articles and it worked great. No more leaks.

[mattdh]

eric did you get those in? any pics-from anyone?

[Eric Siepmann]

I got them on Friday, then went wheeling on Saturday in IN. I'll start them on Monday. I have to get the Tork Bit for the roll bar today and then the sealant. Hopefully won't take to long! Although George says to take your timebefore gluing.

EwS

Keep watching....

[Ragland]

Eric,

Today I replaced my driver side vent seal with the Series III part. A simple job, but like the oil change experience you had, it seemed like a bitch. Getting the vent door into the groove on the newly installed seal is really fun. Simple, but agravating and awkward.

This is the second time I've done this exercise. Before I knew of the Series III seal, I replaced the original with a stock seal. By the way, neither time have I removed the cross bar on the external cage. There is a little difficulty getting around it, but not so much as to necessitate removing the piece.

Have fun, be careful with the sealant, and keep reminding yourself how bad the leak really is with the old seal.

[wicks]

What's the latest on vent seal replacements? They finally are falling out. A '97. One of those areas LR cut a corner. ;)

Old ones? Stock ones? Or is there something recent for late models that they've upgraded to?

Thanks!

[m.michaels]

As everyone else has said - Series III - I got mine from British Pacific - Rovers North said they did not carry them anymore. Either way - I too used the silicon sealant - but I removed the vent all the way, i.e. unscrewed the thing from the lever inside.

I would NOT recommend doing it that way again - as I really had some trouble getting the vent and holes lined back up. The first one went great - the second one not so great . . . .

Since then no leaks from the vents, plenty of leaks from the headliner . . .

[Eric Siepmann]

Wicks,

Stock is NLA. RDS for the Series vents.

EwS

[Kimos]

OK so reviewed these postings. Any new technology or kits since last year? Anyone making them out of rubber yet.

I took the new girl out for her first run in the rain since reassembly of the interior today. Serious downpour too. Came home and was pleased at no leaks at door seals (I had cleaned and adjusted) and driver side looked good. then I looked over at the passenger and there be H2O droplets all over me brand new LR Rubber Floor Mats. :o Well at least they kept the carpets dry.

Question is, I looked at the seals (foam crap) but they actually look in good condition.

Should I expect a bit getting in when in heavy rain? Or should I seek the new seals?

2cd question is has anyone adjusted the vent latches (springs)? There does not seem to be enough tension holding them into the groove(s) which may contribute to the problem on the passenger side as well.

PS - I had spoke with someone at either AB or RN and they had made a comment about the foam freezing to the bulkhead in the winter and then tearing when you opened them.

I would prefer to use seals that tuck inside the vents. I reviewed the "vent kits" at AB and it does not specify what they are made of. and/or Would it be possible to use moisture sealant (i.e snow seal) on the foam to prevent them from absorbing water? Thoughts?