Hatch / trunk lock delete plug how-to

[Sniper Focus]

I hate the look of the stock hatch/trunk seal, especially on the hatches. It looks like an inner tube plus it really stands out on my car. So I came up with a cheap and easy way to make a delete plug.

First you'll need a sedan style seal with the tabs on it, not the hatchback all rubber puckered out style. Maybe they're year specific, but I found it on a sedan.




I went to Lowe's and got a 1-3/8” metal plug, and trimmed the clips down.




Cut, rip, and tear all of the rubber off the sedan seal until all you have left is the plastic ring, then fold the metal clips over it. (I have two black rings one has broken tabs.)



Now I just need to paint it, also I’m going to put a little RTV around it so water won’t get in. Not shaved, but better... (yeah, I got a quote today for painting the bumper, but I need a job first.)


Before:



I’m working on a second one with a key hole that I'm gonna try; I've already deleted my door key holes. Having one key hole would make it easier to get in if the battery dies.

[Sponsor]