the headache of cleaning old caulking

[nevisstudio]

hello all..

we are trying to repair the front opening on the roof...(14x25)

when we bought the trailer the person before us jimmy-rigged a cover for the hole....they took liquid nails and caulking and screwed down a plastic/metal sheet over the hole....i know, complete bone heads..

here is our situation-
we got the screws out and removed most of the caulking through hours/days of work.....gotta love it...not

here are our problems-
1. the holes the drilled are outside the replacement cover...i was thinking of covering the screw holes and still rivit into original holes..or..add a skirt around and rivit into his holes...any suggestions..

2. any secret tricks on removing the liquid nails/phantom sealant....dont even know how/where to start attacking this....

any help would be very appreciative...

thanks
rich

[JohnG]

Originally Posted by nevisstudio

1. the holes the drilled are outside the replacement cover...i was thinking of covering the screw holes and still rivit into original holes..or..add a skirt around and rivit into his holes...any suggestions..

If the holes are not to large and you are able to rivet them I would just do that since it is on top and hopefully out of view. Don't forget to use some Vulkem or Sikaflex to seal the rivet too.

[Jalina]

Try what they call aircraft stripper. Can get at any automotive store. Did really well with silicone. It even worked on the orginal chaulk. Good Luck.

Jalina

[wahoonc]

rich,
I feel for you, my PO used about 4 cases of silver colored silicone to seal things up. This is the technique I am using at the moment... Scrape the silicone down as close to the metal as possible without gouging, then wipe down with Methyl Ethyl Ketone use a rough rag, that will soften the residue, then scrub lightly with a plastic scraper or pad, it may take several passes, then wipe down with mineral spirits and it is ready to recaulk. I am ordering some OS12 and see how it does. If the MEK doesn't work on the liquid nails try something else like acetone, I usually use the stripper as a last resort.

Aaron

[InsideOut]

2. any secret tricks on removing the liquid nails/phantom sealant....dont even know how/where to start attacking this....

We found Gasket Remover by Permatex to remove sealants that the Aircraft Stripper couldn't, may want to give it a try.

Shari

[markdoane]

Rich,

Did the previous owner remove the 'curb' around the opening? It may be that the holes which are outside the margins of the new cover were the mounting holes for the curb.