Sealing a Curved Hatch

[Todah Tear]

My Hatch is in two parts that have a slight curvature. I am having problems sealing around the curve and where the two pieces meet. Since the initial build I have rebuilt it 1 1/2 times. Anything that seals the curve, cause a gap on horizontal point where the upper and lower hatch meet. Everytime I use a strip of weather seal, it moves out on me or the heat melts the adhesive on the back of the strip.

I am open to any suggestions. I am about ready to punt!
I'll try to get better pictures.



Todah

[doug hodder]

Todah...I can't tell by the picture for sure, but it appears that the curves on both pieces of your hatch don't match the side profile where they meet...I think you need more curve built into the hatch...that gap might be too much for weatherstripping... Doug

[BILLYL]

Do you think a "Sprung" hatch? That could make it go that way.

Bill

[Todah Tear]

I think both of you are right. When I first raised the hatch, there was some "sprungage". Also, as I added weather stripping the hatch sides and the wall curves started to differ. I was trying to avoid another big build. I may have to patch until Thanksgiving or Christmas when I have more time.

Todah

[surveytech]

Todah,
Cant tell how the hatches are latched from the photos but could you add latches across the seam where the two hatches meet?
Dont know if that would be enough to bring them together better.

[oklahomajewel]

If nothing else, bring it to Grand Lake and you'll get some help or advice in person !!!
OH - not from me but if Dave & Rick & JPlock and such are there, I bet they will figure it out !!!

Julie

[doug hodder]

Todah...when you built your hatch, did you allow for some spacing for future weatherstripping? if not...that could be part of your problem...thick weatherstripping up near the hinge won't allow the rest of the hatch to lay down like it should...and forcing it might put a lot of pressure on the hinge...just my thoughts on it...Doug

[Todah Tear]

* Survey Tech, I have tapped out Lowes and HD for long latches. They don't have anything, but depending on traffic, I may go to the Army/Navy store in Carrollton to see if they have any of those huge latches that used to be on the government-issued medicines boxes and such (My dad was in the Navy and I remember those latches from his stuff.)

** If I don't find anything, Jewels, that's an excellant idea about bringing it on to the gathering in Sept. and getting advise.

I'll focus my attentions on rigging up my A/C.

Thanks to all you!

Todah