Seal between Turtle Deck and body - 1923-25

[Russ_Furstnow]

I'm restoring a 1925 Runabout and as I began to install the turtle deck onto the body, I noted a gap of about 1/4" between the body and the upper edge of the turtle deck. I noted that it would quite easy for water to enter the turtle deck through this gap, soaking whatever is stored in the turtle deck. I have called numerous people asking if there is any seal that was used to correct this problem, and no one had an answer, other than no one has seen a seal used between these body parts. I have three turtle decks and none have any type of barrier to stop water from entering the turtle deck.

So the question is, did Ford seal the turtle deck from the factory, and has anyone placed a seal between the body and the turtle deck on a 1925 Runabout? If so, what did you use to seal the two body panels?
Russ Furstnow

[Rich Eagle]

Just a thought. A seal might retain moisture and cause more rusting in that area than we normally see. Isn't there an inner panel to keep the turtle somewhat water tight?

[Humblej]

No seal that I can see. 1/4" gap sounds excessive. 1/16"-1/8 " on my unmolested 1924. Looks like water flows in, follows the back of the body, and flows out along the bottom and floorboards.

[John kuehn]

For what it’s worth I have a 1919 Runabout and the space between the turtle deck and the body is around 1/8 or less. As far as being water tight it does have the sheet metal backing inside the turtle back.
But the question about being water tight would be what’s considered water tight on a Model T. They aren’t built to be bone dry but was considered good enough when they were built I guess. Same goes I believe when the body fit up is concerned.

Maybe moving the deck up to fit closer to the body would be somewhat of a solution.

[1stnow]

There is no innerpanel as in earlier turtle decks therefore allowing water to enter the turtle deck easily.

[Scott_Conger]

I have never seen a seal there. It sounds like the body has been rewooded and done without the deck in place. When I rewooded my '23, that deck came on and off dozens of times as the body was brought back to shape. I've seen rewooded cars that you could put your thumb in between the deck and the rear lower curved portion of the body where it meets the lower front of the deck. I've also seen bad gaps at the top, too.

FWIW, my '23 has a stiffener inside the rear/body which forces the sheet metal rear panel to conform to the shape of the top of the deck. Perhaps yours is missing?

[Russ_Furstnow]

Thanks to everyone for the information. The turtle deck on my car fits well, but the gap will allow water to get into the deck. I went to Home Depot today and found a perfect seal that will take care of the issue. It is a black rubber seal that comes in 10 foot lengths. It has an adhesive on one side so it can stick to the turtle deck. It can be placed on the edge of the turtle deck and not be seen, but it will not allow water to get into the deck. I'm surprised Ford did not do something like this until 1926 when they installed a welt around the trunk to keep water out.
Thanks again, Russ Furstnow

[Norman Kling]

I don't have a seal on my 22 runabout. No inner panel either. However, where I live it rarely rains and when it does, I don't go out in my T's. Once in a while on a long tour, I might be surprised by some rain, but not often.
Norm