hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Aug 22, 2013 15:03:15 GMT -8
Spent the day re-installing my J-channel. I think I did everything right, but I'm not sure how to trim the butyl tape so it looks halfway decent. The stuff is springy, sticky - it just won't cooperate! I gave up and quit for the night, didn't see any sense killing myself tonight when it just won't smoothe out. Time to call in the experts! Is there a solvent or something I can use to smooth the exposed edges? This is the gray stuff from Vintage Trailer Supply.  |
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Post by universalexports on Aug 22, 2013 17:58:19 GMT -8
I use a razer blade and carefully trim then pull it off.
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smccusk
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63 SC Restoration in progress
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1963 Shasta SC
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Post by smccusk on Aug 22, 2013 18:16:55 GMT -8
I agree...use a razor blade but pull the excess away as you're cutting or it will stick the the tape you want to keep.
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hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Aug 22, 2013 18:31:53 GMT -8
Thanks! I tried using a putty knife, guess it just wasn't sharp enough.
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Post by vikx on Aug 22, 2013 22:15:28 GMT -8
I use a dull screwdriver. It's actually an electrician's knife, worn over the years. I use it like a knife, and make two or three cuts. The putty eventually gives up. Paint Thinner is the clean up of choice.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Aug 23, 2013 7:27:27 GMT -8
I say bah to butyl tape, lol. Give me good ol' putty every time.
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hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Aug 23, 2013 17:41:43 GMT -8
I say bah to butyl tape, lol. Give me good ol' putty every time. Well, it's actually the hybrid butyl/putty stuff. Still WAY too sticky - not fun at all to work with. (Of course everything else about rebuilding a vintage trailer IS fun, otherwise I wouldn't have said that...) |
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Post by vikx on Aug 23, 2013 22:10:07 GMT -8
Hoosier just made a joke!!
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hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Aug 24, 2013 3:17:28 GMT -8
Hoosier just made a joke!!  |
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 25, 2013 19:54:26 GMT -8
When you trim the putty tape with a razor knife, do it when it is cool outside. Not in the heat. Comes off way easier.
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hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Aug 26, 2013 17:31:19 GMT -8
Well, I combined all the advice, used a sharp utility knife on a (comparatively) cool morning, and gee - it worked! The seams I'd already messed up were much harder to deal with, though. Just goes to show, if you're not sure what you're doing, ask questions FIRST. It's always easier than un-doing a mistake...  |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 26, 2013 19:11:42 GMT -8
Way to go...
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Aug 28, 2013 5:05:48 GMT -8
My roof vent was stuck on with the black butyly stuff. What a mess that was getting it off. Worse than gum in yer hair.
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