IRONMAN

Cork vs Rubber, Who likes what and why?

AND do you like to apply additional sealant?
what type?

Crazyhorse

I prefer cork but Felpro makes a really nice neoprene gasket with a metal stiffener in the center. They're around 40 bucks but last forever.

David

I have the rubber/steel ones. installed dry, no leaks, reuseable, no complaints.

tahoez71

Dont mess around get the rubber gaskets I'm still using mine from 5 years ago and thats taking them on and off about 4 times a year. (cant leave anything alone) Cork gets hard and brittle I found in a couple of years. I like to clean with brake cleaner or carb cleaner, put some on a rag and wipe the surface of the two contact areas and install dry.

P.S the steel inserts are great you can never over tighten them and squish the rubber out

Iggy

Unless you plan on removing them on a regular basis, I'd through away the gaskets and use Permatex Ultra Copper gasket material (red RTV). My old truck had the hardest covers to seal until I used that stuff. Drove it for 80k miles with out a leak. I wouldn't use anything else.