pop top pads

[mikemikemike-SMB]

I'm looking for more of the sticky rubber pads that have kept the pop top on my 2017 Sprinter from rubbing on teh roof.

They have always fallen off pretty regularly. In the past, SMB West would send me new ones when they did. Now they say they have discontinued them and point me towards a new gasket they are using now. I'd rather not put more money into this rig at the moment so I'm wondering if anyone knows what product SMB used to use for these pads - IIRC it was some 3M stuff that sort of looked like it would be cut from a big roll, but I'm speculating.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[1der]

A few of us have extensively looked for the product SMB sold. It was impossible to find and we are talking about tenacious looking.

There are issues with that product with rust starting under a surface that can not be seen.

I resorted to the the XPEL or 3M clear bra film. I bought the 6" wide roll c whatever feet. I slit that to 3" and applied that to the roof to protect the paint from the gasket rubbing. I still had to be careful to monitor moisture under the film but at least I could see it. There may be other sizes and brands available today.

The ultimate solution was the application of Raptor liner to the metal roof. That is by far, imho, the best solution, if feasible.

 

[mikemikemike-SMB]

Thanks ray!
Anyone have thoughts on the new gasket they have mentioned to me?

 

[1der]

Thanks ray!
Anyone have thoughts on the new gasket they have mentioned to me?

The newer gasket is softer. You can likely find EDGE bulb seal on the TrimLok website to match what you need. TrimLok is available via Amazon, Grainger, etc. You need the pop top edge thickness - probably 1/4" and then bulb diameter - probably .75 or .875".

https://www.trimlok.com/rubber-extrusion/trim-seal/custom-trim-seal

But, you are still going to get rub through, even with the softer bulb. The grit/sand, etc. gets on the bulb surface and the top wiggles back and forth and soon the sanding action has worn away the painted surface down to metal. Unfortunately, it is in a spot that is high up and out of mind. The exposed metal gets rusty and then rusts through.

Best is Raptor, and next best is a clear barrier.