Body seam filler/sealer recommendations?

[dyeager535]

Have to reinstall the cover in the bed that hides the fuel tank fill neck hole. (seals along the bed and the bed side) Supposed to be a gasket, not paying more for a gasket than I did the OEM metal piece!

Also on the topper, right in the center where the two halves come together, there is supposed to be some sort of caulk-ish stuff to fill a decent sized hole.

Anyone got any suggestions? I'd use silicone, but if I have to pull the fill cover again, it would be very hard to clean up. Besides, with the amount of silicone I'd need, it would probably cost as much as a tube of "good" stuff.

Doesn't really need to be strong adhesive-wise, it's more just a sealer in both locations. Hoping something I can kind of peel off in large chunks if I have to. If it firms up quickly that's a plus, as the bedside piece has some slop built into it that I need to take into account.

 

[HarryH3]

Perhaps the stuff that they glue late model windshields in with would work for the gas pipe cover. It's a black poly that's available in caulk tubes.

 

[dyeager535]

I know what you are talking about, didn't even think of that. Replaced the butyl they used to use.

Now, can you buy this anywhere, or is it a paint/body place only item?

 

[HarryH3]

I'm not sure where to get it. I would stop by a windshield place with part in hand and ask them where to get enough to cover those edges. They just might apply a bead for ya...

 

[diesel4me]

3m..

I 've used 3M body seam sealer quite a bit in the past--its responsible for much of the rust on GM trucks and cars if you ask me!--I have peeled off some of it in cars and trucks I've bought--it usually does not adhere well,after a few years moisture pops it off the sheet metal,then water sits under it,causing rot!..

I've used regular "gutter seal" caulking from Home Depot,which is Butyl Rubber--it sticks like bubble gum,and works well ,it does not peel off--but removing it is a hellatious chore..I'd only reccomend it for rust patches that will never be removed...I used some on my C10 and my van 3 years ago--still looks like I did it yesterday!..

3M does make a "Strip Caulk" which is butyl rubber cut into strips--its called "dum dum" by some body shops..it seals fairly well,and is easily removed...they only sell it in boxes ,probably a lot more than you need..

The windsheild butyl rubber would probably work as good or better than anything else..I would refrain from using silicone,especially RTV!--I used it on a leaky windsheild,and it rotted the windsheild frame to hell in less than a year!--its got acids in it that eat sheet metal!..