Replacing the running lights

[Devoman]

Well I was working on the running lights and had seen that some of them needed some sealant.Do I need to clean it out and replace it with new sealer or can I go over what is there and fill in the opened areas?
I have some of the silver Sikaflex 221.Is this the sealer I am needing to reseal it as well as othersor am I nedding something else?Thanks.

[lewster]

Sikaflex or Vulkem if you are going to seal them to the side wall. It won't work well to seal the plastic to the housing......you need gasket material for that.

[2airishuman]

hi devoman

saw your pix of the water level inside the marker/running lights......
man that's water........
here is the thread i started on this topic..........

http://www.airforums.com/forum...-21214.htmland

why don't you post your pix again in the above thread...for all of us dealing with this issue.

you really do not want to use a sealant on the lens/covers....

i'm not sure we have the definitive fix yet....but that ain't it....

it does look like you may be missing the inadequate white gaskets....


cheers

2air'

[Devoman]

I am just wanting to seal it along the base of the light housing to the Airstream wall.I can see there is a silver sealant at the base of it and there are open areas within the seal.I am just wondering if it is best to seal it or would it be ok as is.
Also I noticed the sealant was cracking above the door on the rain guard.Is that ok to?Thanks

[Devoman]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

hi devoman

saw your pix of the water level inside the marker/running lights......
man that's water........
here is the thread i started on this topic..........

http://www.airforums.com/forum...-21214.htmland

why don't you post your pix again in the above thread...for all of us dealing with this issue.

you really do not want to use a sealant on the lens/covers....

i'm not sure we have the definitive fix yet....but that ain't it....

it does look like you may be missing the inadequate white gaskets....


cheers

2air'

I had the white gasket in the but it is hard to see.I cleaned it up today and fixed it.Also I backed the vehicle up to test the lights to see if it worked and it did. I am going to take some more pics for everyone to see what I have done.Thanks.

[Devoman]

Here is what I am talking about.You can see the spaces where the arrows are pointing to.
I am just wondering if this needs to be replaced or can I just layer the sikaflex 221 over what I have there now and fill in the spaces?Would it be ok to just leave them as is?hat do you all think.Thanks

[2airishuman]

oh boy more great pictures!

yes ya want sealant in those areas....ideally there is a little metal canister, that can be filled. it puts out a real thin bead and is perfect for this area....

i've forgotten what it is called (the can) but i plan to get one this summer...

sikaflex would work but it is usually used for panel gaps and bigger issues....this is a job for vulkum or parbond?

there is lots posted on maintaining and resealing these gaps.... over in the exterior restoration section....several threads for reading........i have read exactly the answer ya want there....

as long as you are not spraying the marker fixtures directly with water...very little should get in those gaps....

cheers
2air'

[lewster]

2Air and Devo,

This is the stuff that comes with a small trigger applicator and refill can. You can get it at most dealers or right off the Airstream store. Great stuff for the small spaces!!!

I am also working on a new gasket material.......sheet silicone. I use this stuff in my goldsmith studio (my other job) and it is incredible stuff. I am experimenting with different thicknesses. The stuff is incredibly resilient and is easily cut to shape with razor knife and scissors. You will only have to make one set as this stuff if almost impervious to just about anything !!!!!!!

I'll keep ya posted!