Sealing the vertical seams and seams around the top of cab wasn’t as difficult as I thought it might be. I cleaned the seams with an auto cleaner, stripped out any dirt and old sealant and wiped them down with mineral spirits (actually lighter fluid because you can’t get mineral spirits in CA but you can get lighter fluid and it’s practically the same thing). Next, I taped them off on both sides with painters tape, used a caulking gun and laid down a small bead of 3M 4200 fast cure in white, then I pulled up the tape. I worked one seam at a time, taking my time. I’m happy with the results. I just have a few areas where the caps come together, which I’ll do the same way and it’s another item off my list.
Nice, clean and sealed. Doesn't the masking tape work well?
I pull the tape immediately after running a wetted, disposable glove finger down the seam, smoothing the sealant and pressing over cracks to get it a deep as possible. then off with the tape.
Looks like you have if figured out.
There is decent money in refurbishing LDs, if you need an interesting career or side job, it's something to think about.
If not, you are doing a good job of prolonging your LD's life. Enjoy using it.
Larry
Sealing the vertical seams and seams around the top of cab wasn’t as difficult as I thought it might be. I cleaned the seams with an auto cleaner, stripped out any dirt and old sealant and wiped them down with mineral spirits (actually lighter fluid because you can’t get mineral spirits in CA but you can get lighter fluid and it’s practically the same thing). Next, I taped them off on both sides with painters tape, used a caulking gun and laid down a small bead of 3M 4200 fast cure in white, then I pulled up the tape. I worked one seam at a time, taking my time. I’m happy with the results. I just have a few areas where the caps come together, which I’ll do the same way and it’s another item off my list.
Super nice job!
Chris
There is decent money in refurbishing LDs, if you need an interesting career or side job, it's something to think about.
If not, you are doing a good job of prolonging your LD's life. Enjoy using it.
Larry
Thanks Larry! I’ve considered this as a hobby but I’m having a lot of arthritic pain in my hands from this, so I think one LD is going to be enough for me.
Thanks Larry! I’ve considered this as a hobby but I’m having a lot of arthritic pain in my hands from this, so I think one LD is going to be enough for me.
I understand that completely!
I looked for a long time for someone to teach how to seal the roof, windows, and end caps, there is a big demand for such services and decent money to be made. Guess it's too much like work for most.
Larry
"I’m having a lot of arthritic pain in my hands from this, so I think one LD is going to be enough for me."
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Oh, my, yes! Quite a few of us understand this very well! ::)
I'm taking this job on next week. I also have a few areas where the surfaces have pulled away leaving an appreciable gap. Looking to use a small sheet metal screw to pull the gap closed. Anyone done this before?
Bob
Yes; suggest that you tape off the spot(s) for the screws, pre-drill to prevent cracking, and use stainless steel screws.
Yes; suggest that you tape off the spot(s) for the screws, pre-drill to prevent cracking, and use stainless steel screws.
Make sure to cut away any loose, old sealant and then clean, include any gaps, with acetone or spray brake cleaner, let dry before taping.
Do not install the screws until the sealant has been applied and pressed deeply into any gaps, now install the screw and finish smoothing the sealant along the length of the cap, once looking good, pull the tape immediately, before the edges start to skim over.
Larry
Looks great. Thanks for the tips.
Looks great. Can you share what auto cleaner and stripper you used?
When replacing screws ....I had good success with putting screws in card board and spraying them to color match the white as they were from factory.....this picture is from another project but the same steps. ..don't forget to clean screw heads with alcohol first...2 coats....let dry overnight. Also after installing screws if paint lifts from bit driver....use artist brush to apply paint back in center of screw(spray some white paint into a plastic lid to dip brush into).
When replacing screws ....I had good success with putting screws in card board and spraying them to color match the white as they were from factory.....this picture is from another project but same premise...don't forget to clean screw heads with alcohol first...
How clever!
Chris
Looks great. Can you share what auto cleaner and stripper you used?
Any car wash detergent that removes dirt and grease will work. To strip the seams, I used a grout pick and plastic scrapers and plastic razor blades to remove any loose sealant from the seams. I just took my time and made sure each area was clean before I laid down the new sealant. The prep work was slow. The new sealant went on fast. I had a fair amount of old, cracked, missing and loose sealant to clean out. It was worth the work to know those seams are watertight now.