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Old 01-16-2015, 07:01 PM   #1
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What sealant to use for a window?

I'm getting ready to cut in my first window tomorrow and I'm curious what sealant I should be looking for. I've seen write-ups and guys mention butyl rubber tape, but it seems to me like a windshield urethane or even auto body seam sealer would be a better choice. Has anyone used either of these or does everyone just go with butyl tape?

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Old 01-16-2015, 07:16 PM   #2
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ert01
I'm getting ready to cut in my first window tomorrow and I'm curious what sealant I should be looking for. I've seen write-ups and guys mention butyl rubber tape, but it seems to me like a windshield urethane or even auto body seam sealer would be a better choice. Has anyone used either of these or does everyone just go with butyl tape?
You may want to send JWA a PM. He has a lot of automotive windshield/window experience.


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Old 01-17-2015, 05:17 AM   #3
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

Well thank ya Good Sir Herb!

I'd use any of three products, all of which are great for this sort of thing. In no particular order because they're equally effective:

-3M Windo Weld Ribbon Sealer, aka "butyl tape", p/n 8611

3M Auto Bedding & Glazing Compound, aka "liquid butyl", p/n 08509

-Fleetcraft Pure Silicone Rubber Sealer, aka Manus Bond Clear Silicone Rubber Sealant Adhesive.

Each of those have their own minor challenges to the unfamiliar however that's a bit of an overstatement in a way. None are all that complicated or prone to catastrophic failure but if not installed or used properly they'd be ineffective.

All three are available through Amazon for those not involved or having access to general auto repair suppliers.

The most important aspect of cutting holes in the body is to very thoroughly treat and protect the raw metal edges created by the cuts. I'd strongly suggest a small can of POR-15 used strictly to their installation instructions in order to get the best results. This can't be stressed enough, wish the van converters of long ago had paid attention to this.

Feel free to ask any questions before cutting begins----can't back track one that's begun!
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Old 01-17-2015, 01:28 PM   #4
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

Any reason in particular you didnt mention 3m 8609? That is what my local body shop recommended to me this morning.
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Old 01-18-2015, 05:04 AM   #5
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ert01
Any reason in particular you didnt mention 3m 8609? That is what my local body shop recommended to me this morning.
If you ask 10 people for opinions you'll most likely receive no less than 20 of those in return.

Yes there's one huge reason I didn't mention urethane bonding adhesives, based more on your original question than anything else. Perhaps I mistakenly assumed these anticipate window units would be installed the typical way, "clamped" in place by an inner ring secured to the unit's frame. If that's a mistake then by all means use whatever product you believe works best, feel free to ignore what I offered.
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Old 01-18-2015, 07:07 AM   #6
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

JWA, please clarifiy for future generations that may happen upon this thread........if you are clamping the window to the body use a butyl sealant and if you are cementing/gluing a window to the body (no inner trim to screw to) use a urethane adhesive?
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Old 01-18-2015, 08:19 AM   #7
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

Yes I am using the typical CRL VW21601L window that clamps to the sheet metal of the body.
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Old 01-19-2015, 04:12 AM   #8
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

Quote:
Originally Posted by boywonder
JWA, please clarifiy for future generations that may happen upon this thread........if you are clamping the window to the body use a butyl sealant and if you are cementing/gluing a window to the body (no inner trim to screw to) use a urethane adhesive?
Sorry---I won't get further involved with this since there will be too many thoughts in conflict with what works best. I offered my advice and if it doesn't suit those asking there's no sense spending time on this topic.
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Old 01-19-2015, 11:49 AM   #9
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

I am a bit confused... No one is disregarding your advice... Heck I value it more than the body shop guys advice. I was simply wondering what the difference is between the two 3m products and why you would choose one over the other (the description of them on the 3m site to me seems pretty similar) and I was just wondering why you would prefer the 8509 over the 8609. No need to get upset over anything... I don't understand where that comment is coming from?
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Old 01-19-2015, 12:55 PM   #10
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Re: What sealant to use for a window?

Hey JWA, I agree... was looking forward to understanding the differences between the various types. Your posts are always informative. I didn't take ERT01's question as badgering or baiting... just thought he was trying to understand the different recommendations.
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