Tailgate seals for the Bus

Rear hatch seals for your VW Bus T2: reliable sealing at the rear of the vehicle

Rear hatch seals perform an important task on the VW Bus T2 between the rear hatch and the body. They seal the surrounding transition and help keep moisture, dirt and draughts away from the interior and the rear vehicle area. At the same time, a suitable seal ensures that the rear hatch sits neatly against the intended surface. The linked category page contains different versions for different production periods of the VW Bus T2. The rear hatch seal should therefore not be selected only by its outward appearance, but always according to the respective vehicle version.

Why are rear hatch seals so important on the VW Bus T2?

The rear hatch forms a large movable opening in the rear body area. The rear hatch seal on the VW Bus T2 closes the surrounding gap between the hatch and the body and thereby supports even sealing. If the rubber profile becomes hard, cracked or deformed with age, moisture can enter more easily at the transitions. Increased wind noise or draughts can also become noticeable if the seal no longer sits evenly. The corners and transition areas deserve particular attention because the profile must continuously follow their shape. An intact rear hatch sealing is therefore an important detail both during regular maintenance and restoration.

When should I inspect or replace rear hatch seals?

A thorough visual and manual inspection already provides many indications of the condition of the existing seal. Typical signs of ageing include cracks, porous surfaces, hardened rubber or areas that have lost their original shape. Also check whether the seal sits evenly around the entire opening and whether any sections have become detached, shifted or heavily compressed. Water marks around the rear opening, moisture in the rear interior or increasing wind noise can likewise indicate impaired rear hatch sealing. If the rear hatch is removed during repair or restoration work, this also provides a good opportunity to inspect the existing sealing profile carefully.

How are rear hatch seals replaced?

When replacing the seal, the old profile should be removed carefully and the surrounding mounting surface prepared for the new one. It is important to install the new seal following its intended path and to avoid unnecessary tension or deformation.

• Inspect the old rear hatch seal: Before and during removal, check for cracks, hardened areas, deformation and damaged sections.
• Clean the contact surface carefully: Remove dirt, loose residue and remains from the previous installation before fitting the new sealing profile.
• Lay the sealing profile evenly: Pay particular attention to corners and transitions, ensuring that the seal follows its intended path and is neither twisted nor unnecessarily stretched.
• Check the fit of the rear hatch: After installation, verify that the hatch closes properly and that the seal sits evenly against the intended surface all the way around.

During installation, the profile should not be forced into position simply by pulling it strongly. The decisive point is to install the rear hatch seal correctly so that it retains its intended shape and can make reliable contact around the entire rear opening.

Which rear hatch seals are suitable for my VW Bus T2?

When selecting a seal, you should pay particular attention to the production period and the existing vehicle version. The linked category page lists rear hatch seals for different production periods, including versions for vehicles up to 1971 as well as later T2 models from 1971 to 1979. The production period is therefore an important selection criterion. Before replacement, the existing seal, the vehicle and the respective product information should be compared carefully. This allows you to select the suitable rear hatch seal specifically for your VW Bus T2.