3 door hatchback rear window leaks

[Saab fanatic]

Hi all,

Quick question - I have a 3 door hatchback, and both rear windows leak. it seems that the seals have shrunk and no longer fit the door frame 100%. I have a couple of spare seals which have the same problem, I'm thinking of cutting a couple of inches of the 2nd set of rubbers and splicing it into the seal.

anyone have any other suggestions?

[peva]

There's a good chance that if the rubber seals have shrunk, that you have rust underneath, which may be where the water is getting in. If you take the seals off there is also a good chance that you can stretch them, by putting over a wooden former in the warm and leaving overnight. Or immersing them in hot water. You could try this on your spare set. Gluing rubber seals can be very successful if you use a good adhesive. I've found a good superglue (cyanoacrylate) to be excellent for this purpose.
Gluing the seals back in place when you've finished may help to prevent shrinking in the future. I must admit I have never experienced this myself.

[milos]

You can stretch the seals. I did it with my hands prior to installation (warm water may be a good idea though) + stretched them during the montage.
Don't forget to make inside channel smaller for tight fit, this can be done with a pair of pliers....

[Jim Mesthene]

On antique cars we used to wet the rubber seals with gasoline that made them swell. Then we sprayed them with silicone spray to preserve the effect.
Because of the fire danger I can't endorse that.

[Saab fanatic]

thanks guys! think I'll give the warm water and silicone spray a go!

[turbocon86]

I've also done what you originally asked. Cut them about halfway up the b-pillar, force them into the corners and glue a piece in the remaining gap. I used rubber weatherstrip adhesive to glue the pieces in. Done it on several cars without issue or further leaking.

[dssn]

I always use fabric conditioner to, well, conditions the seals if i pull them out.

Also strongly suggesting removing the seals to check for rust, my 3dr had the same problem once.