Penthouse Roof Gasket E350

CoastLife · 09-26-2021, 11:27 AM

Is it possible to replace the gasket on the metal roof (not the fiberglass top) without completely removing the penthouse? Are there any Youtube videos showing how to do it? I could not find one. Thank you!

boywonder · 09-26-2021, 07:18 PM

Not sure what you are asking........

Do you want to re-seal the canvas to the roof?

CoastLife · 09-26-2021, 07:20 PM

I am thinking of repainting the roof and I would prefer to replace the gasket rather than tape it off. I do not want to remove the penthouse and if necessary, will not remove the gasket and just tape it off. Thank you.

boywonder · 09-26-2021, 07:27 PM

There's no gasket....between the canvas and the roof is Butyl tape...several layers. It's like thick taffy.

If it doesn't leak I would tape it off..........it's a lot of work and some $$ to re-do the canvas to the roof.

If you want to remove the butyl joint, a guitar string works well to cut it. One person on the inside and one on the outside. Solid (not wound) G string or B string.

You can cut through the butyl and raise the canvas up to paint if you want; removing the roof is a fair bit more effort.

CoastLife · 09-26-2021, 07:39 PM

Got it. I thought the gasket that is sold by Field Vans was for the metal roof. Now I understand it is for the fiberglass top. Do you mind summarizing what steps I need to take to paint the roof to the edges were the top was cut out. I am trying to avoid having to remove the penthouse frame. I don't mind unscrewing the wood and stripping the tape off.

CoastLife · 09-26-2021, 08:04 PM

I just checked the top and what I thought was a gasket is the bottom rubber of the penthouse that is attached to the canvas. How risky "leak wise" to you think it is to unglue the canvas from the roof, paint to the edge and then reglue. I have no leaks and the wood looks like new. I don't want to create a leak.

boywonder · 09-26-2021, 08:50 PM

If your roof doesn't leak I'd tape it off and be happy.

If you want to cut through the tape and lift the canvas use a guitar string or some other method and then hold the canvas up with rope or tie-downs. I taped off the butyl under the canvas with packing tape since it's messy.

You can buy the butyl tape from Mcmaster.com Use 1.5" x 50 foot roll...again if it's not leaking I'd leave it alone, it's a tough messy job to replace or partially replace. ..and you also have the bulb seals on both ends....you can buy rubber bulb seal from McMaster to replace the plastic stuff under there now but again it's a messy job.

Butyl is essentially uncured rubber so it's sticky and gooey especially when hot. It's a bit firmer when it's cold.

Can you post a few pics of what you are trying to accomplish? Do you have the Sportsmobile/Avery UHB heavy plastic tape on the van roof where the PH roof contacts the van roof?

CoastLife · 09-26-2021, 10:38 PM

I apologize for not responding promptly to your last message. I did not see the reply as I was not near my computer or phone. I will look at the tape and bulb seals tomorrow. I really appreciate your input and will follow up with you after doing more homework.

boywonder · 09-27-2021, 06:44 AM

This may help you.....

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...top-10808.html

CoastLife · 09-27-2021, 08:18 AM

Thank you for the link. Super helpful. I visited McMaster last night. I could find the tape but I was uncertain what the correct seal was. Would you mind telling me its name/product number or sending the link. Is there a time you prefer to get my messages? I don't want to disturb you.