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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jul 21, 2013 19:02:50 GMT -8
When we complete our new paint job on our 1963 Friendship Vacationaire, we plan to add a bead of caulk sealant on the J-rails and around all windows and other edges. I like to do that job by masking both sides of the bead, leaving about 1/8" of a gap onto which I gun a bead of sealant, followed by a finger wipedown and mask removal. Two products recommended: Geocel and 3M Seam Seal. Thoughts or recommendations?
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Post by vikx on Jul 22, 2013 21:38:39 GMT -8
Caulks are not the best thing to use on a Vintage Trailer. They are a patch at best and will not make up for failed putty... New RV putty tape is the sealant of choice. It is applied under the flange of windows and doors, plus the J rail. Your windows should not need sealant if they have been re-puttied. Putty will seal the screw holes and the flange; no need for sealant. If the J rail has been properly cleaned and installed with new putty, the same thing: no sealant needed. You sound like you are wanting to do a "neat" job on the sealant which is good, but the trailer will be much neater without caulk. If you feel you have to add a sealant, try to keep it as invisible as possible. A product I use is clear OSI gutter seal, available at Lowes. It comes in a "toothpaste" type tube or a caulk tube. It takes a very small amount to seal tiny imperfections and smooths perfectly with paint thinner. I do NOT seal windows and J rail with this product, but instead use it on the skin folds, old staple holes and small cracks before installing the windows and J rail. Please read this thread: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/213/question-on-caulk
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Jul 26, 2013 13:53:56 GMT -8
I'm confused, Vik. I thought you put sealant over your putty to protect it?
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Post by vikx on Jul 26, 2013 23:13:19 GMT -8
Cowcharge, you are correct. I have used a thin sealant over the top putty in the past. Nowadays, I'm happier not doing so. I don't put a sealant over putty, especially if it will "show". Sealants are only necessary when there are gaps that the putty isn't filling or if you suspect the putty might dry quickly. My 60 year old canned hams have no sealant and some of the putty is still in good condition! Not all, for sure ) I think it matters where the trailer has "lived" whether the putty fails or not. In a very hot desert clime, I would be a lot more prone to use a thin sealant on the putty. NOTE: Always "seat" the J rail after installing with new putty, using a rubber hammer at the top edge. Most of the time, the aluminum will mold itself to the trailer. It is easy to see "iffy" areas with gaps that might need a thin layer of sealant. Thanks for asking. Never hurts to clarify.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Jul 27, 2013 4:53:49 GMT -8
You mean seat it after the screws are in? Then re-tighten them? I've resealed all my seams but haven't put the j-rail on yet because I haven't finished getting the gunk off the roof.
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Post by vikx on Jul 27, 2013 22:31:47 GMT -8
Oops, sorry, I didn't see this.
I screw the J rail tight to the body with putty oozing everywhere. <GRIN> Oozing putty is a good thing...
After the putty has been trimmed (first time), I pound on the top J rail edge with a rubber hammer. The aluminum bends into the putty and body. You can see it seating and making a tight putty seal. I also use a curved piece of wood if necessary in areas that need a little more "umph". Do not re-tighten the screws, but you might need to re-trim the putty.
I learned something lately: when installing J rail on newer (60s/70s) trailers, add a thin strip of putty on the otherside. That's not the top edge, it's the under side where the lip is. The extra strip of putty helps seal against the trailer. Poking putty is never fun but that little strip helps.
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hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Jul 28, 2013 16:19:19 GMT -8
Question for all the experienced folk out there: Do you paint before or after the j rail is installed? And, if after, is there anything special to make that painted putty ooze look a little less obnoxious? It appears to me the original paint was put on before the j rail, but personally I'd rather put it together and then paint. Pros and cons...
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jul 29, 2013 5:50:26 GMT -8
Question for all the experienced folk out there: Do you paint before or after the j rail is installed? And, if after, is there anything special to make that painted putty ooze look a little less obnoxious? It appears to me the original paint was put on before the j rail, but personally I'd rather put it together and then paint. Pros and cons... Im using larger putty tape now but I like Vikx's idea about bending/beating in the j rail afterwards and will be trying that perhaps. You can get putty tape that is thicker and or wider. On J Rail, from now on I will be using one inch by 1/8 thick tape instead of the 3/4 inch stuff. A little more cost but it looks better afterwards and no sealing needed. As far as painting is concerned, I have painted all my J Rail to this point. I usuallly use new J Rail and it gets painted along with the trailer. But I want to do one without painting the J Rail. I think the trimmed out look of unpainted J Rail will look good so I want to give it a shot on a trailer soon.
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Post by vikx on Jul 29, 2013 22:16:21 GMT -8
I may try the thicker putty. Have been adding a thin layer to the bottom of the J rail putty to keep from "poking putty" into the gap. The thicker putty may do the trick.
I like aluminum J rail; it really adds to the trailer!
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modernme
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Post by modernme on Jul 29, 2013 22:53:15 GMT -8
As far as painting is concerned, I have painted all my J Rail to this point. I usuallly use new J Rail and it gets painted along with the trailer. But I want to do one without painting the J Rail. I think the trimmed out look of unpainted J Rail will look good so I want to give it a shot on a trailer soon. If you need a test trailer, I'll throw mine in the ring for unpainted j Rail!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jul 30, 2013 5:51:20 GMT -8
As far as painting is concerned, I have painted all my J Rail to this point. I usuallly use new J Rail and it gets painted along with the trailer. But I want to do one without painting the J Rail. I think the trimmed out look of unpainted J Rail will look good so I want to give it a shot on a trailer soon. If you need a test trailer, I'll throw mine in the ring for unpainted j Rail! Where are you located? I charge $45 per hour...
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