Airstream Production Seam Sealing Methods

[Aerowood]

I have a question to all that have previously replaced a OEM exterior panel.
What method of sealing did your encounter?

1) Fillet Seal, where only the overlapping edge of the skin was sealed after the seam was riveted together?

2) Faying Surface Seal, where sealant was applied to the mating surfaces before the seam was riveted together?

[AtomicNo13]

Not to be flippant but sometimes it's more like chewing gum and luck!

At the factory they seal the outside laps, then smear a big wad of goop along the internal seams.

[Lance M]

Newer trailers have #1 on the inside (lotsa gooping) and a black sealant tape sandwiched between them, then a bead on Acryl-R on the exterior joint.

[Aerowood]

Originally Posted by Top

Newer trailers have #1 on the inside (lotsa gooping) and a black sealant tape sandwiched between them, then a bead on Acryl-R on the exterior joint.

What about the older models, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's

[nrgtrakr]

The little bit of seam I saw while replacing a curb side window on our 75 had butyl tape between the layers and Vulkem slathered on the inside.
Sadly the aluminum was slightly wavy from bucking rivets. Maybe it was a bad day for the guy on the factory line.

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by Aerowood

What about the older models, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's

I was speaking of 80s and newer, I guess.

All of the 50s and 60s trailers I've seen have some sort black asphalt type of sealant "applied" to the interior seam.

In the 70s, it is a bit hit and miss. Some seams are sealed on the inside, while others weren't.

I'm not sure what year AS started with the seam tape.

Are you just curious or why do you ask?

[Aerowood]

Just curious, I've helped on several and have only come across no sealant in the seam just fillet seals and have heard others say there was sealant in the seams

[laducky]

On my 78 there's gunk on the inside and a decomposed roll of tape between the aluminum sheets.

[RankAm]

Kip, I just removed the front and rear panels on my 56, and only fillet seal was used. See here. Hank