Sealing New Replacement Panel

[SzAir]

I tried searching through multiple posts but have not found the explicit answer I was looking for-Hopefully someone can help. I'm replacing most of the lower panels (buck riveting) on a 72 Sovereign and want to make sure I seal them properly. From the research I have done it looks like the best sealant to use is the Trempro 635 due to the working time and durability, but not exactly sure how to apply it. I have read that is applied to the rivets themselves right before they are bucked, but should I also run a small bead under where the panels overlap with a disposable syringe? Should I also run a bead between the panel and supports. I'm a little concerned about working time but figure I can probably work one seam at a time as I buck the rivets. The panels have protective film, but just planning on using mineral spirits to clean up any that squeezes out versus taking the time to mask each seam. Any hands on advice is greatly appreciated before I'm covered in Trempro with a panel glued in the wrong place.....

[Bubba L]

When we re-skinned a lot of the 55, we basically did what you described. I would prep a panel, position and drill all the rivet holes and place with clecos. When all was checked for fit, I removed the panel and ran a bead of Tempro 635 along all lap seams and ribs. I then clecoed in place. When we started bucking, I would circle about a dozen holes with Parbond, place the rivet and buck. We cleaned with mineral spirits. After completing all the skins we were going to replace, I cleaned the inside and painted all the seams and rivet tails with a thick coating of Flexseal. We water tested and all was good. I’m sure there are other methods, but this worked for us. Tempro has a good working time, so we never ran into the caulk setting before assembly. Good luck, Bubba

[Aerowood]

The Tempro 635 is a good sealent to use. It comes in a caulking tube and applied as such. Put a bead on all mating surfaces of the new skin and use plenty of clecos. No need to apply to each rivet as you should have it extruding from the rivet holes as you cleco.

I too replaced all of my lower skins detailed in the thread link below.

[trashbag]

are there any issues with gumming up the clecos with the sealants?

[tbashin]

I use mostly SikaFlex 221. I can't find TremPro 635 locally although I have mail ordered it. Sikaflex 221 seems to be softer/runnier than TremPro 635 but 221 sets up sooner.

[Aerowood]

Originally Posted by trashbag

are there any issues with gumming up the clecos with the sealants?

I just throw them in a can of thinner, if the sealant doesn't dissolve I just use a wire brush on them.

[SzAir]

Great-Thanks you for the input. I'll start this weekend and hope it all goes well. I'm sure I'll be an expert by the last panel!