Removing exterior caulk

[RottenRick]

I have a 1965 Tradewind (24'). The previous owner went caulk happy on all the exterior seams. I found that plastic razor blades has helped get some of it off, but I need recommendations for a good solvent that can be used without damaging the skin for polishing. I was told to try "Dealer Sol", but can't find a distributor. Any suggestions?

Rick Neuman (Rotten Rick)
Email me at rick_neuman@msn.com.

[tkasten]

Silicone Caulk Remover - made by McKanica. It is offered on the Vintage Trailer Supply. www.vintagetrailersupply.com

Our 65 Safari was also covered with silicone caulk and it took us several days to get it all off.

[Joebanjo]

You might consider contacting "The Yard Store" in Wichita, Kansas. Being an aircraft manufacturing town, Wichita produces a lot of aircraft surplus tools that can be purchased at the "Yard Store" ( an outlet for the old Beechcraft Company to sell surplus tools and materials). They sell a need little rotory bit, you can chuck into a drill, that will remove sealants and caulks of all types. It is made of a material that is not as hard as aluminum and will not scratch or mar the finish of your Airstream, while it cleans the sealant and caulk residue from seams and joints. Very Cool!!

Welcome To The Yard

Mike

[deasertman]

A little paint thinner will blister and bubble almost all silicone sealers. Apply a little to a old rag and let it set for a bet then wipe it off. Cheep easy, wear rubber gloves as paint thinner will also remove the oils from your hands. Napa also has a cheep remover, it will though remove paint use this for the stubborn spots. Good luck


Will

[casa3805]

Nothing seems to be extremely easy but a heat gun, sharpened popsicle sticks (to avoid scratching the surface) and a little WD40 will generally do the job. When you are done, clean it all up with some mineral spirits..
It is working for me. I am working my way around the trailer and the above items are kind of a compilation of several different posts.
Hope it helps...

[Mary Burris]

This thread has been very helpful, but has anyone encountered along with old silicone or other soft caulk that gets old and shrinks, on my 62 Tradewind a former owner used a silver metallic type caulk that is very hard and rigid, looks like it went on nice an wet as the lines are not clean but reminds me of hardened mercury in its look...what the heck is it and how do I remove that? Not sure the "silicone" removers or softeners will even touch this...any thoughts? thanks so much!! Mary in Sunny and now cool and fabulous Florida!! C'mon on down everyone, Fort DeSoto Awaits you!! (: