D-Bulb and binder bolts?

clicker44 · 09-05-2021, 01:00 PM

I am not at my van at the moment but am trying to acquire everything I need to refinish my penthouse top. I have read all the threads and am good to go on everything but a replacement gasket and binder bolts (sex bolts?) from McMaster Carr.

My questions are:

- SMB Texas wants $400 for a new penthouse gasket (mine is ripped in a bunch of places).

I can get this one from McMaster Carr for $75....anyone have feedback after using one of these (1142A76)? My only concern is that it does not grip the top from both sides (ie...the SMB gasket is more of a C than a D and is fastened on both sides).

- Does anybody remember exactly which size binder bolts to buy? I am not at my van to measure my current plastic clips....https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/127/3332 (I was guessing that 99024A305 is the right size?)

Thanks!

MikeChapelHill · 09-05-2021, 06:24 PM

Have you looked at these?
https://www.mcmaster.com/gaskets/for...e-rubber-trim/

https://www.mcmaster.com/gaskets/for...e-rubber-trim/

https://www.mcmaster.com/gaskets/for...rubber-trim-7/

bobthecow · 09-05-2021, 08:28 PM

I have not yet done it, but I have this bookmarked for replacing mine:

https://www.mcmaster.com/edging/wate...h-bulb-on-top/

Steve C · 09-06-2021, 08:52 AM

Clicker44, FWIW the original SMB gaskets have been around for decades with good results. If they have proven themselves already, why take the chance and try something else to save a few bucks? As you're already aware refinishing the top can be both time consuming and expensive, if it was me I'd go with tried and true.

I recently re-did my top with Raptor Liner, stainless T-bolts etc. and since my original gasket was still serviceable (after 20 years) I just reused it. I considered using the sexier barrel bolts, but ended up just reusing the original plastic "push pins". I did have to purchase about 6-8 new ones as a few of the originals broke while removing them. Also, these actually only anchor the gasket on the outer edge and don't go through the inner side of the gasket at all.

Good luck with whatever you try and please update this thread when you're finished so that others can benefit from your experience(s). Cheers!

MikeChapelHill · 10-11-2021, 09:12 AM

I was looking at the gaskets on the doors to our van, when I realized that door gaskets may be suitable as a replacement. They have the advantage of a metal flange that can hold the gasket onto the roof without using sexbolts. All you have to do is press them on, and then tap them with a rubber mallet to secure them on the edge. I ordered some and they seem like they would work better than the original.
Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R9GJ7YK...roduct_details

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191KFCQ6...roduct_details

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019CUXPHS...roduct_details

I think they would work extremely well. They do not stretch out, or shrink/expand due to temperature. They do have metal in them, so you will need to cut with the appropriate too (dremel).

Mike

BUFFALO · 10-11-2021, 10:55 AM

I recently redid my top as well. I went ahead and ordered the perimeter seal from Field van.
I’m 99% sure it is just like one of the listed seals in this thread. Clamps to the edge with no bolts or push pins.
I would definitely try one of these listed here before paying the premium of someone else being the middle man.
I couldn’t find any other first hand experience of someone using that type of seal though so that’s why I got it from there. To be sure it would fit. And it does fit well and looks nice.

I also used some of the type of seal listed above (3rd link) for the rear door openings on the body. And it also works well.

Steve C · 10-11-2021, 04:08 PM

Buffalo, the product you received from Field Van seems like a better version than the original and not needing bolts/pins a big plus!. Any chance you have any scraps left over that you could take some measurements/pictures of? Sounds like the new gasket was also deep enough to hide all the existing holes left over from the original push pins? I'm sure many of us would find this information useful. Thanks and Cheers!

BUFFALO · 10-11-2021, 04:15 PM

Sure.
And yes. It covers the old holes as well.

clark · 02-08-2023, 12:39 PM

Has anyone ever matched up this Field Van bulb seal with a McMaster Carr product number?

boywonder · 02-09-2023, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clark

Has anyone ever matched up this Field Van bulb seal with a McMaster Carr product number?

I've tried a few years ago but came up empty-handed.....to clarify I was trying to match the original old SMB seal that uses the holes.