I have to say a huge thank you to Lance and Edan at Rare Spares for helping me out.
I started this thread with just a request for advice by fellow forum members if my seal was the wrong way around, as it was hard to close. I didn't expect Rare Spares to go to the effort they did.
The original video was completed on a LH as the Rares LC doesn't have boot hinges fitted at the moment so they couldn't demonstrate it on an LC. Edan contacted me and offered me to bring my car in, so they can have a look. Its not on the road as yet and Edan offered to come by with Lance and have a look as I'm not too far from the head office.
So when I originally fitted the seal I wasn't 100% sure it was the right way around, so I didn't push the clips in all the way. As it was so tight I didn't want to secure it incase I had to flip it around. Turns out Mike that my seal was fitted the correct way around, and I agree I thought the instruction diagram was very vague.
Lance removed my seal and re-fitted it, as I had quite a bit of paint build up around the pin holes, it was very difficult to push the retaining pins in. Lance fitted the seal and using a small block of wood helped to push the stubborn pins were all the way home. I'm guessing a standard car with original paint it wouldn't be so hard to push the pins in.
With the boot open the leading edge (lock side) corners were hanging down a little. Lance used a small dot of the Loctite 424 instant glue that comes with the full rubber kit to secure them in place.
Lance then gave it a good coat of Rares Rubber Magic.
We did not re-adjust the boot catch. The first close took a little effort, and when opening gave a good pop as there was quite a bit of pressure. There was a little pressure on the back of the boot lid near the back window. In the time Lance was at my place he opened and closed it a few more times and it began to settle in place, and took less effort to close and there wasn't as much pressure on the lock.
Checked it this morning and it's absolutely perfect. The rubber magic has really helped it settle into place. You can already see the corners of the seal have pressed in a little, and the boot shuts with just hand pressure over the lock, doesnt even need a slam. Also opening it, just goes pop without too much pressure.
Have to say I'm very happy with the end result, and in my opinion Rare Spares have gone well above and beyond the customer service level we have grown accustomed to these days by retailers and manufacturers. The guy's at Rare Spares are active members of this forum, listen to their customers, they want to assist us and want to improve their products as much as we do, so we need to support them.
In summary how I would do it again. This is assuming the boot lid is properly gaped, aligned and boot catch adjusted before fitting the seal:
* Fit seal orientation as per photo's and video in this thread.
* As per the instructions first locate and fit the two close together retaining pins as per the starting point near the lock.
* Ensure the deep recess in the seal is facing the inside edge of boot lid, flatter side faces out.
* Fit all pins, and once in place ensure all retaining pins are pushed all the way in. You can check by gently lifting the seal near the pin.
* Small dot of the Loctite 424 instant glue on the outer corners to hold the seal in place. http://www.rarespare...x?product=RG180
* Spray seal with rubber magic, and wipe of excess from paint (won't harm the paint but good practice). http://www.rarespare...spx?product=RM5
* Close and open a couple of times then leave the boot shut overnight. Next morning will be significantly better.
Thanks again Edan and Lance for taking time out in your day to help with the install of the boot seal, it's very much appreciated.
Steve.
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