'65 Valiant/Barracuda Hood to Cowl Seal Correct Placement?
My final word on this:
a) I'm not positive what post #4 means by "Round edge goes toward the engine."
Your initial post observes that "the seal can be placed two different ways because its round and smooth on one edge and kind of open on the other side."
So "round edge" refers to "round and smooth edge."
As I don't care to beat this into the ground, this will be my final post, too. At present, I own two early A bodies - a 65 Barracuda and a 63 Valiant (the 65 since 1968). I also own a 65 Dart parts car. In addition to these three, in the past I've owned a 65 Valiant and a 66 Barracuda. My mother owned a 64 Barracuda until a decade or so ago. My brother owned two early A parts cars - a 65 Valiant and a 65 Barracuda. That's eight early A's altogether. Plus I've seen I don't know how many additional early A's at shows, etc. I have NEVER seen a hood-to-cowl seal oriented with the round edge to the rear and the "open" side to the front. Now - with some two million or so early A's produced 63-66, did some seals get installed incorrectly at the factory? Wouldn't be surprised. Others undoubtedly got turned around in the fifty years since they were produced. However, I am 100% confident that the correct orientation is as I said.
For whatever it's worth, I also own a 56 Plymouth and a 64 Polara with similar hood-to-cowl seals that are also oriented as above.
Now, you can believe me or not. I can offer no proof except my own fairly wide but not infinite experience. Your car, your choice.
Cheers!