Stag MkII air cleaner gaiter problems

[Tim Buja <buja@domain.elided>]

I purchased a new gaiter from Rimmer Bros. last year to replace the old
gaiter that had split and cracked in several places.  This is the
rectangular rubber piece (p/n 156028 on page 05-06 of the Stag repair
parts manual, rev D April 78) that connects the upper section of the
air cleaner to the intake duct that draws air from in front of the
radiator.  After only 6500 miles, I've found that the new gaiter has
already split on the corrugations.  On two occasions since my engine
rebuild, I've found the gaiter turned inside out and sucked inside the
rectangular duct that holds the intake air temperature control flap
valve.

Has anyone experienced similar problems with this rubber gaiter or have
another source for this part?  I didn't really expect the new part to
fail after only one season...

Tim Buja - Rockford, Illinois, USA - 80 TR8, 73 Stag, 72 TR6