I just went to replace the seal and noticed that the join was at the top. It seemed to me it would make more sense to have the join at the bottom, with water not going directly on it, that maybe someone previously fitted it wrong.

I then had a look at my S3 Daimler and that's the same, join at the top - anyone know if it's like this is for any reason please?

 

No reason that I can imagine, but I do recall that my 94 was also joined at the top.

 

In both my '85 XJ6 and '88 XJS the trunk seal joints were at the bottom centered at the trunk latch. Each end was connected together with something that looks like a piece of hose.

 

Mine was joined at the top but when I replaced it I put the join at the bottom, made more sense to me.

 

Yes, the new seal had the little bit of hose in one end. Maybe it was just down to who happened to be fitting it at the factory?

 

I think seal should have the joint at the top. When water flows into the channel by the seal, it flows down. The opening of the seal, if at the bottom would let water into the boot.

 

That's why the seam should be sealed and reinforced with the center hose.

 

But as you corner, any water in the channel will slide left to right and pass over the gap, and get into the boot.
If the split is at the bottom then the water would have to flow uphill to get in.

 

There was a bit of tape covering the joint - any idea what should be used for this?

 

I just glued the joint. No more speculations…

 

That's just cheating and against the spirit of everything we stand for.
If you actually fix something, what are we going to talk about?

 

 

Good idea - I will superglue it.

 

No!!!!!!!! Never use super glue for anything flexible!!!
It also doesn't last too long in outside environment.

 

I took a photo of the boot seal on my 94 Convertible.

I know the history of the car from new. The seal join is at the bottom and has never been changed. It also seems the seal was closed and sealed at the factory with some sort of sealant or rubber vulcanising.

Paul