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Z31 Resealing Quarter Windows and Tail Lamps

A major cause of rust in the hatch area of many 300zx's is leaky quarter windows and taillamps.  The telltale sign of seal failure in these areas is water and or rust under the hatch carpeting, namely in the spare tire well and under the tool kit. This is the approach I used to remedy these leaks. 

*WARNING* - Do this modification at your own risk. We Are not responsable for any issues of your own doing.

Items Needed

Parts & Tools Needed

  • 2x 3/8" Butyl Ribbon Sealant
  • ZEP ZUCIT32CA 32 Oz Degreaser Citrus Scent
  • Plastic Scrapers
  • Heat Gun
  • Gloves (Rubber and Padded)
  • #2 Phillips Screw Driver
  • 10mm Socket and ratchet
  • Trim Clip Removal tool

Checking for leaks

To verify that either the quarter windows or the taillamps are the culprit, remove all rear interior plastics and lay in the back of the hatch area.  Have someone spray the quarter windows and taillamps, near their top surfaces.  If you observe any water leaking into the car, mop it up and replace the failed seal. 

Removing the Windows

  1. Park the car in direct sunlight until it is hot to the touch. This softens the butyl rope sealant.
  2. Remove the upper plastic interior hatch trim (quarter window trim). Be careful, as the top clips like to break.
  3. Locate the two nuts securing the quarter windows in place. Use a 10 mm wrench to remove the nuts.
  4. Gently push out on the window from inside to break the butyl seal. From outside, carefully pull the window away from the car and set it aside.
  5. Use mineral spirits to remove the butyl sealant from the quarter panel and quarter window.
Quarter window removed and cleaned Window seal locations

Removing Taillamps

  1. Remove the rear trim plastic and locate the taillamp mounting nuts.
  2. Remove these nuts and carefully push the taillamp outward. Each taillamp is sealed in the same manner as the quarter windows.
  3. Carefully clean all butyl from the taillamps and chassis using mineral spirits.
Tail lamp removal
Note: If you use a scraper to help remove the butyl, be careful not to scratch the surface. Scratches will lead to rust and eventually, to leaks.

Replacement

  1. Go to your local auto parts store and purchase 2 packages of Butyl Ribbon Sealant.
    Package of Butyl Ribbon Sealant
  2. Carefully measure the amount of butyl rope needed and cut it to length. Press it into the quarter window channel on the car and knead the ends together to form a continuous bead.
    Window channel with new butyl seal
  3. Reinstall the window and gently tighten the nuts. Do not overtighten the nuts as you could damage the trim pieces.
    Quarter window reinstalled
  4. Taillamp resealing should be done in the same manner as the quarter windows.

Video of the Process

Provided By: Turbocharged Creations

Sources Used