There are two spots under the trunk seal that are rusted through. I think I can handle the repair but the replacement cost of the seal is ridiculous. The trunk seal is in excellent shape. It has no gaps, tears or even nicks.

Is there a way to remove the seal and reuse it after the rust is removed?

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

The trunk in both my 300D's also leaks, but I don't see any rust-thrus in the gutters and strive to keep them clean. There isn't much slope to make the water run aft, which doesn't help. But, too much rain is the least of our concerns in CA. I have a black plastic liner to keep the carpet clean anyway, so just a few drops get on it.

You can get a long-handled "gasket scraper" that holds a single-edge razor blade at HF and elsewhere. If you don't tear and mangle it, 3M weather-strip adhesive (yellow, any auto parts) should re-secure it.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

Make sure the drains in the side wells are clear. If water pools in there it will cause condensation inside the trunk and make the leak seem much worse.

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1981 Mercedes 300TD, 1994 Honda Civic Del Sol
http://mefi.us/images/fuelly/smallsig-us/67195.pnghttp://mefi.us/images/fuelly/smallsig-us/103885.png

You may be able to repair the area under the gutter and rubber seal itself. Depends what you find. Should not require removal of the rubber and is not the best repair but it could suffice.

Any chance a denatured alcohol or other solvent would cut the glue without damaging the seal. I think I can get the stuff under the rubber without getting much on the paint.

I wouldn't expect to cut the glue with a scraper or blade. Either would gnaw at the rubber.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

Where might these drains be located? You're talking about in the low part on either side of the trunk where I store my bottles of various fluids?

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Yes, but you must remove the plastic liners to see them. They roll out fairly easy once you learn the tricks, though the driver's side one is trickier w/ the sunroof tube.

They are little rubber caps w/ ~4 small holes that fit in the bottom of the floor. You can fold them out. It just takes a little tree debris, like small round fruits to plug them and leave a foot of water in the trunk, like my 1984 had when I bought it, causing mildew throughout the interior.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

While often reluctant to choose URO parts, I installed a URL trunk seal in my 220D about two years ago and it has held up well so far. Think the seal cost about $30.

There's noting wrong with the original seal. I think it would be a downgrade to change it right now.

I'm just trying to find a solvent that will help with the glue without damaging the rubber much.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

If you find a solvent to remove the glue that was applied 30 something years ago.
I betcha it will take the paint along with it.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works