Hood Bonnet rubber

[kampala]

Stripping the inside of the Hood - getting it ready for epoxy primer - and have found a “rubber” strip between the hood structure and the hood panel.  The strip is about 15mm wide and a little less than 2mm thick.  I would assume it has shrunk in thickness. 

Does anyone know if this is factory, probably to cushion any rattle?   It does seem to be all the way around.  Due to it cracking, I am removing it and expect to replace. 

BTW - you can see the original beige-gray metallic as I remove the ivory paint. 

Thanks

[Benz Dr.]

We just finished a hood where we split the two halves and then used panel bonding to put them back together. All of the outer seams were also spot welded. I didn't see any rubber buffer in between the top and bottom pieces.

[chumps]

I have that exact same rubber in my hood. 1972 289 SL It has hardened and is coming out in pieces.

[chumps]

Excuse my typo 1971 SL

[Sead]

found same on my 64 230 hood

[kampala]

Thank you very much for all the replies and the photo. Appreciated