Re: IML: Sealing Imperial Roof and Trunk lid Trim

["Rob van der Es" <r.vdes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your contribution on this subject!
I understand the importance of using a proper sealant, since I live in a 
very wet country called the Weatherlands, ehh the Netherlands I mean :)
I noticed that on my 60 Crown a black sealant was used , it has rubberized 
over the years or maybe it was a rubber sealant that was used. I don't 
know..
Anyway the connection between the roof trim and the roof is waterproof, 
otherwise I would have rust stains in my headliner by now.
Personally, I don't think that this is the original sealer that the factory 
has used 48 years ago..
It looks to me if someone has used a sort of window sealant, but it does the 
job.

If I have to remove the roof trim I would use a modern sealant on a PU base, 
I think silicone is too agressive! There is a kind of acid in it (smells 
like vinegar) that can cause severe rust problems. It might be aggressive to 
your paintjob too!
Those modern PU base sealants give a very strong bond (as a matter of fact 
you can use it as glue), are weatherproof and non agressive. And it is clear 
as glass!

Water condense shouldn't be too much of a problem since the paint is still 
flawless, and if the SS inserts are properly sealed I think everything will 
be safe.
Or at least I hope so :)

Robert
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joe Strickland" <jwstrick426@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Imperial Mail List" <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 5:57 PM
Subject: IML: Sealing Imperial Roof and Trunk lid Trim


> Along with the discussion of sealing Imperial stainless steel roof
> panels there is the issue of how the roof trim should be sealed when it
> is re-installed.  On '62 models the standard trunk trim piece is a
> chrome rib that has several machine threaded studs that are accessed
> from the bottom side of the trunk lid.  The same issue would apply to
> sealing the roof trim on those years that have the SS roof trim, or even
> the conventional models that have roof trim pieces that go across the
> top as in '57-59 models etc.  What type of sealer was originally used?
> Was it 3-M automotive caulking compound?  Some of the trim I have seen
> elsewhere on the '62 I own was a foam plastic pad (usually circular in
> shape) that fit between the trim and the paint surface of the body part
> with the fastener on it underneath side of the body part.  I have been
> thinking about how to re-attach various trim pieces that have holes
> through the body sheet metal.  I am leaning toward the possibility of
> using clear GE silicone caulk.  It lasts for 20 years or so and remains
> flexible.  3-M caulk goes on soft, but eventually dries out.
>
> Paul mentions that some of the stainless steel roof panels had a fiber
> pad underneath them (maybe some of them vibrated in the wind and made a
> buzzing noise?).  Others had the panels electrically spot welded in
> place.  Silicone sealer around the edges might work well and possibly
> even contact cement to hold the panels against the roof would work too.
> It would require that a person be careful how much contact cement
> build-up was added.  It would have to be evenly applied to prevent bumps
> or bulges underneath.  Then there is the issue of corrosion.  Any water
> that condenses underneath or somehow gets under the edges of the SS
> panels would be bound to cause rust.
>
> I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but those are just some
> thoughts that came to mind.
>
> Joe


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