Community Forums

rmmpe · 07-23-2008, 03:29 AM

Our 1999 Alpine has a lengthwise bead at the top of the bay doors. I'd like to install a weatherproof vinyl (or similar) "L"-shaped seal to prevent water from getting between the vertical sides and the lengthwise bead.
Preferably, I'd like it to be white and fix it in place with 3M permanent adhesive tape.

Does anybody have a suggestion where I can find the trim?

rmmpe · 07-23-2008, 03:29 AM

Our 1999 Alpine has a lengthwise bead at the top of the bay doors. I'd like to install a weatherproof vinyl (or similar) "L"-shaped seal to prevent water from getting between the vertical sides and the lengthwise bead.
Preferably, I'd like it to be white and fix it in place with 3M permanent adhesive tape.

Does anybody have a suggestion where I can find the trim?

Algoma · 07-23-2008, 05:38 AM

I had assumed WRV had installed that rubbing strip with a waterproof sealer behind it. Why not run a bead of silicone sealer along the top edge of the strip instead of adding that vinyl piece?

rmmpe · 07-23-2008, 06:23 AM

Algoma,

Did that but it keeps separating when in direct sunlight.

Retiredfields · 07-23-2008, 01:45 PM

I would suggest trying 3M Polyurethane marine sealant. It seems to be much stronger than silicone. I don't believe it will adhere to silicone though.

I've seen it at Home Depot and in the boat section at Wal-mart.

rmmpe · 07-23-2008, 01:56 PM

I may just have to do that.
However, I did find white body side molding having 3M permanent adhesive backing. I may try that 1st.

Thanks for the suggestion.

EngineerMike · 07-23-2008, 02:45 PM

A good cleaning first, then 3M 101 (polysilfide) caulking should stick nicely. I believe it comes in white or black. There are some newer formulations that take a week to cure (101 will take a while) that I'm told are better but have no experience with them; poly ester IIRC; a West Marine location should have someone conversant in these high performance sealants. The 101 is the stuff used in between teak boards on wood deck yachts so that should give indication of its abilities.

Algoma · 07-23-2008, 03:09 PM

I have used 101 on boats for bonding fittings to fiberglass. Do not use this on your coach unless you never want to remove the rubbing strip. It is an adhesive not a sealer! A marine grade sealer should work if the surface is prep'd properly as it is designed to withstand UV radiation.

rmmpe · 07-24-2008, 01:36 AM

OK. I'm convinced and I'll use the sealant 1st.

midflajim · 07-24-2008, 12:58 PM

Use 3m 5200 it will work on just about everything quite well. Comes in black and white

Jim
06 Apex

rmmpe · 07-24-2008, 01:14 PM

I'm afraid the 5200 won't work well because it will have to stick to the vinyl stick-ons on my Coach. It'll probably just pull the decal off and I'll have another problem to deal with.