black_LS

McMaster-Carr also has a something that could work for much cheaper.

Style 1—EPDM Seals with Vinyl Grip

http://www.mcmaster.com/#trim-seals/=qshkkk

LEXUSA400

I rotated my original seal 180 degrees, the seal is taller at the front corners now, noticeably more effort needed to close the trunk.

I'm also gonna install drains. I live in hilly Eastern Tennessee. Sometimes I have to park on an incline. If the nose of the car is facing down hill then water will collect and stay in the front corners of the trunk seal area. It will stay there until the car is moved or it evaporates. Even if it didn't leak into the trunk, standing water on a painted steel surface isn't a great idea.

The sunroof has drains so why not the trunk seal area. I purchased some 3/8" brass hose barb / 1/4" MPT fittings and clear hose. I'm still deciding how to go about installing them so they are as flush as possible, sealed, won't pull or fall out and won't rust that area. It's just thin sheet metal in that area so threading into it may not be very secure. I'll use some sort of adhesive/sealant regardless so maybe mount them from the top, hose barb through the hole, adhesive/sealant all around and a few slots cut in the part above the body surface so all the water will drain.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I finally installed the seal from the UK company that munday suggested earlier in the thread. I also popped the molding beneath the rear window off and cleaned all the dirt and grime off the whole area. then I wiped it down with alcohol.

aptoslexus

You had a seal shipped overseas?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Us they shipped it from overseas and I had it in lest than a week. I orders 5 meters and still had a Lil left over after I cut it. Like Munday said you have to apply light pressure to close it the first time but it seems to be sealing good. I sprayed it down at the car wash and it hasn't leaked so I'm figuring it's good.

dicer

With the new from Lexus seal it takes extra pressure to close it. Kinda have to lightly slam it shut.

I'd like to see a picture of the strip before and after, like a cross section view too.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I'll take a pic when get a chance. I did not take a pic before I put it on though.

aptoslexus

I've got water in my trunk as well. I think I may just go with this: http://www.jcwhitney.com/p3089714/sk...c3813d1387u0j1

25 feet of universal weatherstrip for $35.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Some comparison pics.

dicer

It kinda looks okay. But in that number 1 photo I would think that seal lip should go the other direction as the way it is there it would allow water in. And it actually looks like it may do a better job that the stock one will with that nice seal lip. I think having the air holes in the original ones just allows water in and if there is a crack that is how it weeps into the trunk. Its almost like the seal pipes the water in. The original replacement seal has a butyl sealant in the groove that goes to the pinch weld. Butyl is the best sealant for that application, problem is I haven't seen it or know where to get it in a tube. Sillycone is not good for that application, and I would hate to have to deal with cleaning it off the pinch weld.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I noticed that there was some kind of sealant in the pinch weld when I was removing the old one. Those holes on the original actually let water in and it froze during the winter so when I squeezed the rubber it would crunch. I just put the new one on without paying attention to which side should be up. Maybe I'll remove it and turn it around if that is the proper way to do it.

LEXUSA400

I installed some of this and it has fixed the leaking. It's also available in 20ft sections, part number 15802.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...800_0361214407

NAPA usually stocks this in 10ft sections if you need some today and don't mind splicing. The ends will reach to the vertical part of the trunk opening where water intrusion is much less likely. In fact, I initially installed just a single 10ft section along the top and ending by the tail lights and haven't had any water get in. Definitely more pressure needed to close the trunk.

aptoslexus

Looks very much like the one I saw at JC Whitney except 15 feet shorter. I ended up googling the part # of the one at Whitney and found the same part at **********.com at half the price of JC Whitney. It ended up costing $26 shipped. Hope it holds back the flood.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

That looks just like the one I purchase except it's half the price lol mine.

dicer

sha4000, I bet that is what does ruin them, like you said water getting in those holes and then freezing, that would let it crack or tear and let the leak happen.