Tips for repairing drip rail? Seam sealer?

glasspack · 11-06-2015, 12:12 PM

I'd like to repair a few spots on the drip rail along the left and right edges of our 2014 E350 where the PO had clamped down some bike racks really hard. It could rust and so I'd like to patch it up so it doesn't become a problem. This van will eventually have a ph top so no need to clamp anything on the rails. But since this area is where water winds up I think good idea to address it.

A body shop guy thought the rubbery material in those channels at the edge of the roof was seam sealer. Is patching these spots with seam sealer and touch up paint the best way to go? I've never worked with it.

Thanks for any suggestions!
J

LenS · 11-06-2015, 01:06 PM

Personally I would get a tube of polyurethane caulk and blend in damage. Then add touch-up paint.

JWA · 11-07-2015, 04:10 AM

Honestly if any repairs made are temporary I'd use a good brand of exterior silicone sealer, NOT caulk of any sort. Silicone is cheap enough, easy to apply and works well for this sort of repair.

Since the area is on the roof appearance doesn't have to be a huge concern unless that's a personal preference. If you're intent on using a touch up paint find a 3M dealer near you (or online) and buy their flexible seam sealer, follow directions to pre-clean and apply it to your areas of concern.

What you're seeing is paint lifting away from the factory-applied seam sealer used along that roof flange---I'm almost 100% positive the metal underneath is still protected. At this point this isn't a huge issue body-wise.

86Scotty · 11-07-2015, 08:43 AM

I recommend and practice using something truly bomb proof.

Vulkem!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... rds=vulkem

And I definitely recommend addressing it. The rain gutter is about the worst rust magnet on Econoline bodies IMO. I've had several vans and this is where I always see rust first. Water just stays there.

djbonsu · 11-15-2015, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I recommend and practice using something truly bomb proof.

Vulkem!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... rds=vulkem

And I definitely recommend addressing it. The rain gutter is about the worst rust magnet on Econoline bodies IMO. I've had several vans and this is where I always see rust first. Water just stays there.

Thanks for the link & Great Info!! I need to do this as well. Did you have to remove all go the old material/sealer pre-existing in the rain gutter before applying this stuff?

carringb · 11-15-2015, 11:04 AM

Mine are pretty gouged up from many years of various roof rack setups. It still isn't rusty. I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

86Scotty · 11-15-2015, 01:41 PM

Not at all. Pile the Vulkem on, anywhere! Warning, it's messy but dries in a day. It will always be a little rubbery, just like the OEM stuff.

djbonsu · 11-15-2015, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Not at all. Pile the Vulkem on, anywhere! Warning, it's messy but dries in a day. It will always be a little rubbery, just like the OEM stuff.

Sweet! Thanks again!

4x4sporty · 11-16-2015, 10:48 AM

I always use some type of rust inhibitor like Rustmort from SEM. It will have to be top coated with something.I have used it for years on old cars and seems to do its job. I used it around the windshield on my 97 in 06 and it has held up well and has been outside everyday since I got the chevy in 08.
Cheap insurance
Good Luck
Jim
http://www.amazon.com/SEM-69504-Rust-Mo ... 68YH49HYQ3