Sealant

[markdoane]

I've read all the old threads about Vulkem, but my question is: what is the very elastic black stuff used to seal the corners at the belly/body joints, and between skin panels? I've looked at the Sikaflex website and the Parbond website, and neither seem to be the stuff I need. Can anyone help? This is a vintage '59 Tradewind.

[59toaster]

Originally posted by markdoane
I've read all the old threads about Vulkem, but my question is: what is the very elastic black stuff used to seal the corners at the belly/body joints, and between skin panels? I've looked at the Sikaflex website and the Parbond website, and neither seem to be the stuff I need. Can anyone help? This is a vintage '59 Tradewind.

I wonder if Andy might have an idea?

[greg176]

My 61 Overlander had a soft grey sealant at the beltline joint. It was alot like plumber's putty and was still soft after 42 years. I'd like to know what kind of sealant it is.

[markdoane]

I think you're looking at Vulkem, whether 616, 636, 116, or any other number. The stuff I'm inquiring about has the consistency of well chewed bubble gum and is black. Will elongate by at least 300% and after 44 years is still flexible and VERY well adhered. I want it to reseal between skin panels. Thanks for your reply.

[cherring]

My '59 TW has the same stuff and I just redid it with Parabond. I think that someone told me long ago that it used to be available in black and that is what was used during that time frame.

[74Argosy24MH]

I don't know if it existed in '59 but in 2003 it sounds like butyl tape, very sticky black stuff that stretches like crazy and doesn't harden. It is available at most SOB rv outfits.

John

[JPAIRSTREAM]

On the newer coaches the product used to seal the bananas is made by Sika-Flex.

[thenewkid64]

It wasn't black, but my 78 MH had a gooey sealant that was used at the factory to seal the insides of the roof vents. It was white, and still very pliable and had good stick after 25+ years on the roof. I wondered what it was, but have not spent much time trying to figure it out.

[Inland RV Center, In]

The black sealer used back in the 50's and early 60's, is called a "mastic".

Back then, that was the way to go. Tar and threads.

Not any more.

Vulkem 616 for heavy or large seams and Par-bond for small seams. These are the materials that is used today at the factory, along with sikaflex.

NEVER silicone sealers of any kind on the exterior.

Andy

[markdoane]

Thanks for you help everyone.
74Argosy: now that you mention it, the stuff is probably butyl. Sure acts, looks, feels like butyl.