The seals are a departure from the weather stripping commonly used on Cessna aircraft. The seal is installed on the fuselage not on the door frame to provide a more substantial platform for sealing the flexible door frames. The seal actually senses the pressure from the door and molds itself to conform to the shape of the door . It provides an air- and water-tight seal like no other seal on the market. Never before could you appreciate how quiet your cabin can be. The seal is easy to install; with its own adhesive strip and is FAA-PMA approved for all single-engine Cessna aircraft. This seal is recommended for operators who have low utilization carrying few passengers. Please ensure that you order the correct fuselage or door mounted seal based on your requirements. Cessna 120, Cessna 140, Cessna 150, Cessna 152, Cessna 170, Cessna 172, Cessna 175, Cessna 180, Cessna 182, Cessna 185, Cessna 190, Cessna 195, Cessna 205, Cessna 206, Cessna 207, Cessna 210, Cessna 336, Cessna 337 *For specific model #'s see Application Guide* |
This review is for both the window and door seals, which are identical seals, same application, just different sizes. My 172 was built in 1957. The window and quarter-round door seals appeared to be original. Suffice it to say, they were no longer doing their job. Air and noise was rushing in and the doors would pop open on taxi and rotate. So I needed replacements and I needed them badly. Of the choices available, I went with these due to the informative description and, ultimately, am glad I did. Upon receipt of the parcel, I was greeted with what looked like nothing more than Lowes weatherstripping. Initially, I was quite disappointed. After all, I just spent $250+ on these seals and, really…could have went to the hardware store and bought the same for $10. In short, I really, really wanted to hate these seals. HOWEVER, I have decided that the seals are amazing. Installation was simple. Clean the mating surface and carefully apply the seal around the door (on the airframe side). Liberally apply the included silicone lube and shut the door. Allow the door to sit for a couple days. I did find that the included lube is not enough and ended up using that popular Dow Corning product that Spruce also sells. Flying the aircraft is now soooo much quieter. The doors no longer pop open. I actually think it’s the silicone lube creating a nice suction-tight seal on the door. When you open the door, it does kind of stick to the seal (in a good way). You can see how the seal conforms to the unique characteristics of each door (rivets and screws cushioned against the seal). I have decided the seals really were worth the money. I doubt you could do better on your own, trying your own seals…. And it probably wouldn’t be a legal install anyhow. I don’t like the seal being on the airframe side, though. You rub up against it all the time. The lube gets on your hands as you get in and out of the plane. I know the mfg does make a door-side kit instead, but they market it for a different application. The kit I purchased specifically mentions NOT to install on the door-side, so I guess I’m stuck with this. But, they work so well, I’ll live with it.
Nice seal. Reason why not 5 stars. Does not seal behind hinges. I`m i process figuring that out now.
Garbage. I used it for my Cessna 172N doors and baggage door and its already broken in multiple places after a few months. My mechanic asked me why didnt I purchase new seals. I told him I just did, and these were new. He couldnt believe it.
The seal might funtionally work but is definitely not a direct replacement. When the old seal is removed it then leave an unpainted area showing as the new seal doesnt install like the old one.
There are two different types of Cessna door seal and window seals based on the year. The correct door seal mounts on the door . Early models are V shape door Later are rectangular hollow I have had both remanufactured in grey silicone.
This is just weatherstripping that you can get at a hardware store for five dollars
Window seal does not match factory seal.
The door seal is nothing more than a strip I could have bought at a local hardware store for a fraction of the cost. Extremely disappointed.
I purchased this door seal for my Cessna 150 restoration project and found them to be totally worthless. It is nothing near the original seal quality and function. When installing does not do well on sharp curves, bunches up and creates gaps you need to seal with adhesive fillers. The material is of poor quality foam rubber that tears easily. In comparison this seal is the same thing you can get at you local hardware store for less than $5.00 that any A & P can install and approve. I recommend you not buy this product and seek the original type rubber material and not foam. It also concerns me that this product is FAA-PMA approved. It should not have been.
Please note, Aircraft Spruce's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.
These seals are sold each. There is enough material in each package to do one door.
Per the supplier: The 05-01610 seal installs on the fuselage. Our 05-03621 seal installs on the door. Your customer should have a choice between the 05-01610 or the 05-03621 seal. See "Alternate Items" tab for 05-03621 seal.