TheShastaProject
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1967 Shasta Super 19
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Post by TheShastaProject on Aug 6, 2013 16:43:20 GMT -8
I'm on the hunt for a local source of butyl/putty tape (please correct me if I'm looking for the wrong stuff!) Called the nearest Camper/RV service center and was told, "Yea sure we carry that and I also have a caulking tube of rubber roof sealer to put around the vents." My inexperienced brain started sending out warning signals. Was he trying to sell me the black goop that I am currently removing from my camper? If he was, how can I trust that the tape that he is recommending to reseal my vents is the right stuff? If I remember right, I'm looking for the grey tape that has a white, wrinkly backer, correct? There are so many different colors and types of that blasted stuff!
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Aug 6, 2013 18:03:38 GMT -8
Yes, you are correct. The putty tape is either grey or white generally, (although I think is available in black too) and is what is usually used for the general seams. The Butyl tape is black in color (again, usually) and is a lot stickier and can become runny in the real hot weather. It is great for some applications, but is a tough product for sealing where it may become visible if it does run.
The vents are done with the same putty tape as the gutter seams, around the window frames, and most other places as well. It is recommended using a sealant with the screws as well in the vents. Vikx will probably be able to fill in the blank that my mind is currently leaving me with. (I even own a tube of the stuff, and still cannot remember its name!)
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Post by vikx on Aug 6, 2013 22:41:42 GMT -8
Chris you did well! Putty tape on the metal to metal flanges, edge trim, windows, doors, etc.
Standard putty tape: greyish, crinkly paper, great stuff, and has lasted for 50 years RV putty tape: Whitish, seems to be a butyl mix (RV shops call it "butyl"), a little sticky and harder to trim than standard, crinkly paper True butyl: grey or black, very sticky, slick paper I use Butyl in narrow areas or when a thin layer of putty is needed, like behind Hehr backframe gaskets, 1/2" door trim...
Dicor self leveling lap sealant around the roof protrusions AFTER new putty. It's removable (barely) for repairs and sticks to itself for touch ups. It's the best thing going right now; wish there was something better.
Don't trust all the new RV people. Some know what they are doing, a lot of them don't....
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TheShastaProject
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1967 Shasta Super 19
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Post by TheShastaProject on Aug 7, 2013 2:46:46 GMT -8
Thanks for the info. I will have it up on my phone while at the shop so that a memory fail doesn't cause me heartache later.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Aug 9, 2013 9:45:18 GMT -8
I was surprised at how soft the old wrinkly-paper putty tape I pulled out was. The only places it had dried out and become crumbly were in the gaps where the J-rail was pulled (or beaten) away from the joint. In a tight joint it seemed to last longer than the rest of the camper.
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keri
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Post by keri on Aug 9, 2013 14:14:02 GMT -8
I had lots of soft putty tape too. And I'm POSITIVE it was orignal because of all the caulk and silicone there is all over the trailer too. The PO's clearly hadn't heard of putty tape.
I'm also surprised at a few of the brows that had no putty tape AT ALL. The one over the rear curbside window didn't.
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TheShastaProject
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1967 Shasta Super 19
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Post by TheShastaProject on Aug 9, 2013 15:08:27 GMT -8
Finally made it to the local service shop. there was no label on the roll. It was light grey with a slick brown paper. Decided not to chance it and I'll just order it from online. Thanks for the help.
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Post by vikx on Aug 9, 2013 22:08:21 GMT -8
I've even found 50 year old putty tape with the paper still on one side.. LOL
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Post by orbitmonkey on Aug 13, 2013 11:22:37 GMT -8
i use the grey butyl tape in the rolls followed by a high quality marine quality clear sealant around the frames (formed in with fingertip) that are screwed down to the butyl. this ensures that butyl enclosed does not become contaminated by the outside environment. once butyle starts to be introduced to sun,dirt, etc...water will find its way through. the additional clear sealant ensures the butyle will be supple for years to come! i have seen the black tape but have never used it. it feels like it has some form of urethane in it. as such...removing it will be a nighmare and if ya get any on your fingers....it will be all over your clothes next....and then who ever does the laundry in the home will be all over you! i did this with my '73 sprite and everything remains tight and dry...even in the area where i reside...aka: a temporate rainforest.
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 14, 2013 7:37:02 GMT -8
What is the name of the product you used and is it paintable?
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