Rain Gutter Installation

[dhcomp]

Hey all. Long time member, first timer in the body shop forum!

My 1991 Suburban is being painted. I did 90% of the disassembly, and a local contact is doing body work and paint.

My rain gutters were attached with torx screws and adhesive. Painter wanted to remove them, so now i'll have to reinstall.

What is the best approach? What are the screws sunk in to? Years ago, I tried to tighten the hardware, and didn't get a feeling the screws were really sunk into anything.

Are there inserts? Or are they sheet metal screws? Best practices for installing? What adhesive?

Thanks!

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

If I remember correctly they are just screwed into the sheet metal, no inserts.

 

[dhcomp]

If I remember correctly they are just screwed into the sheet metal, no inserts.

I also forgot to mention that I use this for a gutter mount ski rack. Not high load, but need to be attached sufficiently for that use.

Wonder if it would be a good opportunity to swap to threadserts or something a bit stronger. Long ago, I considered welding them on, but was concerned about doing it without creating a spot for water to sit.

 

[HankScorpio]

They are just screwed into the sheet metal.
If the body shop sanded over the holes it could be a problem. It can take the burr off the edge of the hole and then the screw won't bite. Had it happen once and it was a pain.

 

[flatland]

You need something to help seal anyway, so use a good adhesive under them. ( 3M 5200, Sika, Etc)
Maybe step up a screw size, especially if they are loose after sanding.

 

[dhcomp]

Copy. Any idea what factory sealant was?
@ryoken

If not, I'm very familiar with 5200. That would be an easy, color matched substitute!

 

[imiceman44]

I also forgot to mention that I use this for a gutter mount ski rack. Not high load, but need to be attached sufficiently for that use.

Wonder if it would be a good opportunity to swap to threadserts or something a bit stronger. Long ago, I considered welding them on, but was concerned about doing it without creating a spot for water to sit.

If you're attaching anything to it I would use a nut sert.

 

[ryoken]

Hey all. Long time member, first timer in the body shop forum!

My 1991 Suburban is being painted. I did 90% of the disassembly, and a local contact is doing body work and paint.

My rain gutters were attached with torx screws and adhesive. Painter wanted to remove them, so now i'll have to reinstall.

What is the best approach? What are the screws sunk in to? Years ago, I tried to tighten the hardware, and didn't get a feeling the screws were really sunk into anything.

Are there inserts? Or are they sheet metal screws? Best practices for installing? What adhesive?

Thanks!

hi...... as i believe someone mentioned, you have to watch when bodywork is done, running sanders over those holes will remove the edge of the hole, making it difficult to tighten often..

i would try the original screws, by hand, with nothing at first to see if you feel they'll "snug up"... paint can be advantageous... but if you feel they are tightening up reasonable, pull it back apart... and run seam sealer under the drip rail, reattach, being gentle in how tight you go.. the seam sealer will help keep the screws where you tighten them to when dry...

I've seen people actually use double-sided white 3m tape, in addition to screws.. but i like seam sealer as it acts like a thread dope, and is usually sandable if needed (not your case)... that said, mask off while checking it dry, and wipe/finger it back to virtually nothing showing when wet and installing...

 

[dhcomp]

Thanks all.