Caulking

Kistler · 11-13-2002, 02:55 PM

Should I use Vulkem, Ten-X, or Silkaflex (sp?) to caulk around a clearance light (marker light) on the driver's side rear.

There is no caulking between/around the metal holder for the red light and the skin of the coach! The other lights have caulking; it is grey colored.

Kistler

PS-I read on some post that Silkaflex is hard to obtain; I believe it. I can't find it with Google.

gwsullivan · 11-13-2002, 03:02 PM

try searching for sikaflex.

Jabba · 11-13-2002, 03:19 PM

try looking through a marine (boatbuilding) supplier

davidz71 · 11-13-2002, 09:35 PM

Kistler,
Cullum and Maxey RV in Nashville, TN. had plenty of Silkaflex on their shelf when I was in their store last week. I'm not sure if they are on the internet or not. Interestly enough, they were an Airstream dealer listed in my '77 owner's manual.

smily · 11-14-2002, 07:28 AM

I spoke with a fellow that has polished several AS and he tells me that you should not have to caulk any vertical seams on an AS.

His position is that the "lap" is very wide and has so much sealant between them that they would never leak.

He has dissassembled a few AS's so he is experienced in this issue.

He tells me that leaks are going to be around vista windows, markerlights and other penetrations through the skin.

I have caulked many of my vertical seams. This was because the PO had caulked many of the seams but he done a really unsightly job of it. I believe that I am going to remove all of the caulk on vertical seams when I strip and polish my trailer. The only place that I am going to caulk is the locations mentioned above.

I am close to stripping my trailer, the same fellow tells me that I should be able to complete the job in less than one week.

Smily

Kistler · 11-14-2002, 08:26 AM

Thank you for the information BUT the question is:

WHAT DO I USE FOR CAULKING AROUND A MARKER LIGHT? Ten-X, Vekrum (sp?) Sikafelx, OR??????

I have asked the parts department, others I thought would know, and now written to Airstream.

The factory apparently forgot one maker light when caulking. I feel like taking this thing back......but it is 90 miles to Apache Junction.

I shall fix it myself; I want to use the correct caulking.

Like I said about the "no spare tire" -- I expected more for $52,000.

Kistler

Inland RV Center, In · 11-14-2002, 09:19 AM

Kistler.
For small seams the best material to use is called "Par-bond." It's available in 5 ounce tubes in silver color. It has a creamy texture and looks great when properly applied.
As always, with any sealer, the surfaces must be chemically clean.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

Kistler · 11-14-2002, 09:59 AM

Thank you Andy; somehow I thought that someone in/on this forum would know.

My next question is -- where do I buy Par bond?

Kistler

Inland RV Center, In · 11-14-2002, 10:54 AM

Kistler.
Check our web site, inlandrv.com
Click on parts and scroll to part number 51600.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

Kistler · 11-14-2002, 11:04 AM

Thank you again, Andy. Because of you and your advice, I won't return the trailer.

Kistler

davidz71 · 11-14-2002, 11:05 AM

Kistler,
Andy has answered your question. I wanted to add that I had a top section of my rub rail that had a small crack in the caulk where it meets the skin. I didn't know any better and used
Vulkem and it was hard to work with on such a small area. It really stands out terribly. I am going to remove it and go back over the area with ParrBond as Andy suggested. I can see where it does great on the other areas of my rubrail so it should be great for light markers.

Kistler · 11-14-2002, 11:09 AM

Interesting about Vulken....I know from my life experiences that I can really make some BIG mistakes because I did not know what I was doing and did not ask for advice.

This camaradrie exhibited by willingness to help from Airstreamers is really impressive. I guess it is worth paying extra just to be a part of the group.

Kistler

davidz71 · 11-14-2002, 11:21 AM

I've learned much from this forum. I still make my fair share of mistakes but if I am not sure about something that is not clarified in my service manual then I ask those who have been there beforel.

Tamara · 04-18-2003, 08:30 PM

FYI

For those of you in the midwest who would prefer to buy closer to home, you can order the 5 oz tubes of Parr-bond in Aluminum from www.dyersonline.com they are located in Michigan.