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Sealing up a slant back with turret

mrfarb

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It’s a hard life out here trying to stop a slant back from leaking. I’ve isolated 3 main areas - back hatch, turret hatch, and doors.

I’ve created temporary solutions for the rear hatch and doors, which I will rework once I’m satisfied, but the one persistent problem is the turret hatch where it hinges to fold back. Water pours in from each side. Any experienced members find a good solution for it?
 

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HoveringHMMWV

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I cut a piece of thin rubber sheet, using the hatch hinge as a template, and used it to externally cover the said hinge. I put sealant on the thru bolts and added rubber washers. Also added a few extra inches of weather stripping under the hinge corners. Now I will only have a few drips from the edge in even the heaviest downpours. The parts TM shows a similar rubber strip being used on one of the hatch versions (#15).

IMG_0150.jpeg
 
Last edited:

mrfarb

Active member
90
165
33
Location
Texas
I cut a piece of thin rubber sheet, using the hatch hinge as a template, and used it to externally cover the said hinge. I put sealant on the thru bolts and added rubber washers. Also added a few extra inches of weather stripping under the hinge corners. Now I will only have a few drips from the edge in even the heaviest downpours. The parts TM shows a similar rubber strip being used on one of the hatch versions (#15).
Thanks, mine actually has that rubber strip and the hinge itself has no leak - but I like the idea of making it longer. I think my main issue is the hinge presses down on the bulb seal around the opening creating the problem. I may notch the bulb seal there and rebuild it.

And i’m aware that eliminating all the leaks is impossible, that isn’t the goal. If I could post video to show the starting point you’d laugh like I did.
 

HoveringHMMWV

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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“All” is a very big word and kind of like “always”. I spent an enormous amount of time sealing my roof, slant back, and side panel fasteners with sealant and rubber washers. That included sealant under the turret support and bearing, and their associated fasteners. Even used a latex based caulk gun sealant on front mating surfaces. The only place that my top leaks is the corners of the rubber slant back hatch seal and a few minor seeps/drips where the top hatch hinge corners are. Not a completely perfect fix but MUCH better than where I started and having to wear a poncho while driving in the rain. Now I’m completely dry and only keep a hand towel to dab up a few drips. “Almost all” is possible.
 

mrfarb

Active member
90
165
33
Location
Texas
“All” is a very big word and kind of like “always”. I spent an enormous amount of time sealing my roof, slant back, and side panel fasteners with sealant and rubber washers. That included sealant under the turret support and bearing, and their associated fasteners. Even used a latex based caulk gun sealant on front mating surfaces. The only place that my top leaks is the corners of the rubber slant back hatch seal and a few minor seeps/drips where the top hatch hinge corners are. Not a completely perfect fix but MUCH better than where I started and having to wear a poncho while driving in the rain. Now I’m completely dry and only keep a hand towel to dab up a few drips. “Almost all” is possible.
I’ve ordered some rubber sheet, and am taking your advice - disassemble the hinge and put an extended rubber strip. I’ll report back. I don’t mind some leaks, but it was literally raining inside the truck before which can (and has been) improved upon.
 
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