Overview
The hood-to-cowl seal (commonly called "hood lacing") creates a critical barrier between the rear edge of your hood and the firewall/cowl area. This seal prevents water, debris, and engine heat from entering the cabin ventilation system. Proper installation ensures a clean seal and prevents rattling when driving.
Tools & Materials Needed
- 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive (GL-11) — Recommended
- 7-Piece Trim & Pry Tool Set (GL-30)
- Nitrile Gloves (GL-10)
- Clean rags and rubbing alcohol/wax & grease remover
- Needle-nose pliers (if removing old clips)
Understanding Your Seal Type
| Mounting Type | Description | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Clip-Mounted | Seal comes with pre-installed metal clips that press into holes in the cowl | Use adhesive between clips to prevent gaps |
| Glue-On | No clips; seal adheres directly to cowl surface | Apply thin, even bead of adhesive |
| Screw-Mounted | Some 1950s applications use screws | Follow original hole patterns |
Installation Steps
Step 1: Remove the Old Seal
- Open the hood fully and prop it securely
- If clip-mounted, use a trim tool to gently pry up each clip from behind
- If glued, carefully peel the old seal away—avoid scratching the paint
- Remove any remaining clips stuck in the cowl holes
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
- Clean the entire mounting surface with rubbing alcohol or wax & grease remover
- Remove all old adhesive residue (a plastic scraper works well)
- Allow the surface to dry completely—adhesive will not bond to damp or oily surfaces
⚠️ Warning: Never skip surface preparation. Old adhesive residue is the #1 cause of new seals falling off.
Step 3: Dry-Fit the Seal
- Uncoil your new seal and let it relax at room temperature for 30 minutes
- Position the seal along the cowl without adhesive
- Locate the center and align it with the center of the cowl
- Verify the seal extends to both ends evenly
Step 4: Install the Seal
For Clip-Mounted Seals:
- Start at the center and work outward
- Press each clip firmly into its corresponding hole until it snaps in place
- Important: Apply small dots of 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive (GL-11) between the clips to prevent the seal from pulling away and creating gaps
- Allow clips to fully seat before closing the hood
For Glue-On Seals:
- Apply a thin, continuous bead of adhesive to the cowl surface (not the seal)
- Wait 2–3 minutes until the adhesive becomes tacky
- Starting at the center, press the seal firmly into position
- Work outward to both ends, smoothing as you go
- Apply light pressure for 30 seconds along the entire length
Step 5: Final Check
- Close the hood slowly and check alignment
- Open and verify the seal sits flat with no buckling
- Allow 24 hours for adhesive to fully cure before washing the vehicle
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Clips won't stay in holes | Holes may be damaged—apply adhesive behind clips for extra hold |
| Seal buckles when hood closes | Seal may be too long—do NOT stretch it; trim ends evenly if necessary |
| Seal keeps falling off | Surface wasn't clean; remove, re-prep, and reinstall |
Jan 8, 2026