Replacing door seal - what product

[JHZR2]

Hi,

On my 82 300CD, I need to put new rubber door seals. I pulled the seal out and noticed the lower track had some goop in it:

It seems to me that it is just some kind of goop. It has no real tack to it, but it isnt dried, it is very thick and can get moved around with a tool in the area. Ive heard that it is similar to a universal adhesive or 3M trim adhesive, but Im not 100% sure.

The factory service manual says very clearly where to use "union cement" and "universal adhesive". It is not in this track. The FSM does not nindicate that anything should be used in the track as sealant or adhesive.

So any ideas what this stuff is? Is it some kind of rubber friendly anti-corrosion coating? Some kind of lube to help get the seal in? Something else?

For installation into such a track, should I use some product? It is a matter of should I do as they say, or do as they do?

Thanks!

 

[moklock]

3M Super weatherstrip adhesive would probably work the best.

 

[JHZR2]

But the FSM does not say to use any adhesive... Yet this stuff is in there. Im sure it or the MB adhesive would work well, but is it necessary when a channel is present that will hold the strip in place firmly?

 

[JHZR2]

Well I painted the spots where there was bumps in the paint. Next a dry fit and then perhaps Ill add some adhesive.

Any idea what "union cement" is?