Product Review - DMT Hood to Core Support Seal

[Dana67Dart]

Updated with photos and videos


NOTE: This review is just that, a review. I show the good and the bad and my satisfaction with the product. I'm not bashing the manufacturer (unless their product sucks) just stating facts and comparing an OEM part the the reproduction.

In an attempt to get my 70-75 mph engine temps down on my 67 Dart GT Convertible (stock 273 2bbl) I replaced the Hood to Core Support seal.

I bought the one offered by Detroit Muscle Technologies

It came in a box 1/2 its length but being soft rubber the seal had no trouble flattening out in the sun for 15 minutes

The shape and hole cutouts are spot on and the fit and feel is wonderful.

Length is about 2 1/2" short but I don't see that causing any issues

DMT

OEM

The profile is dead on!

I could not get a good photo so you will have to trust me on it.

The OEM seal came off in 3 pieces so it fit well in the shipping box

I got it installed in under 5 minutes, but I notices that it did not sit tight against the hood, it has wiggle room!

I looked at the OEM clips and the supplied replacement clips and that's where the issue is. The yellow line is where the clip is the same width as the OEM clip and you can see on the OEM clip a wear mark where it sat in the hole in the hood.
I tested this by replacing one of the new clips with a OEM clip and it was nicely snug.

Here are two videos showing the looseness with the DMT clips vs the OEM clips


With DMT clips
New video · Sunday, Aug 24 ð¬


With OEM clips
New video · Sunday, Aug 24 ð¬


I'm happy with the seal and will Evap-o-rust the OEM clips, paint and reinstall them at a later date.

 

[jos51700]

What country was it made in?

Can you bend the new clips for a tighter fit? Thank you for the write up!!

 

[JDMopar]

If you send the pic of the clips to Jim @ DTM and let him know the clips are a wee bit too long, he will be glad to hear the feedback. Especially if you be sure to let him know how nice the actual seal is.

 

[davescuda]

If you send the pic of the clips to Jim @ DTM and let him know the clips are a wee bit too long, he will be glad to hear the feedback. Especially if you be sure to let him know how nice the actual seal is.

This is 100% true. Jim is a great guy, he will help to make it right. I have seen him remake stuff to make sure its correct,

 

[JDMopar]

This is 100% true. Jim is a great guy, he will help to make it right. I have seen him remake stuff to make sure its correct,

If you were on Moparts back when he was building his 71 Challenger, you probably remember what a nit picky son of a gun he was! And I mean that in a good way as he wouldn't settle for ho hum...he wanted stuff RIGHT. That same dedication is what drives his business.

 

[Kemper]

A little off topic but I just received and installed some door lock seals from them. They were perfect. Just the right thickness for your lock clips to work right.

 

[Dana67Dart]

If you send the pic of the clips to Jim @ DTM and let him know the clips are a wee bit too long, he will be glad to hear the feedback

Already planned.

I worked with him to get the 67 -69 DART convert rear curtain seals. he had barracuda specific but thought that dart was the same. Now if he would only believe me about the color of the long parts on the dart being black and not white. ( Not that they are visable when installed )

 

[Kendog 170]

Maybe a black plastic washer to shim to the thickness needed?

 

[Super-Cuda]

This is 100% true. Jim is a great guy, he will help to make it right. I have seen him remake stuff to make sure its correct,

Agree totally.

DTM is a standup company and will 100% stand behind their products.

I've said it before..

One of the best Mopar suppliers out there.

 

[Daves69]

Maybe a black plastic washer to shim to the thickness needed?

.......or faucet washers scattered in the bottom of your old toolbox?

 

[Murray]

Great company. Very helpful if you have questions.

 

[Dana67Dart]

What country was it made in?

I don't know. The tag on the bag doesn't say.


And for bending the clip... I as the consumer should not have to modify a product for it to fit correctly. The OEM clip is wider where the 2 wires turn up and widening that makes the part where they cross wider. Also the shear height of the diamond is higher.

DMT manufactures or has manufactured many if not most of the products they sell.

And it's really irrelevant as long as the company having them made does proper quality control.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Maybe a black plastic washer to shim to the thickness needed

That would work but as a consumer I should not have to modify a product for it to fit correctly.

That being said even with it loose it will function as intended. Only downside I can see is the loose clip might wear paint off the holes in the hood as it moves around.

 

[JDMopar]

"And it's really irrelevant as long as the company having them made does proper quality control."

I'll bet that Jim will be on that faster than a Duck on a June bug!

 

[jos51700]

I don't know. The tag on the bag doesn't say.


And for bending the clip... I as the consumer should not have to modify a product for it to fit correctly. The OEM clip is wider where the 2 wires turn up and widening that makes the part where they cross wider. Also the shear height of the diamond is higher.

DMT manufactures or has manufactured many if not most of the products they sell.

And it's really irrelevant as long as the company having them made does proper quality control.

I seem to remember that Made in USA didn't require a label, so I'm OK with this!

 

[Dana67Dart]

I seem to remember that Made in USA didn't require a label, so I'm OK with this!

From their website. "DMT brand" suggests they are the manufacturer BUT that does not mean they are made on America.