what is this black sealing caulk on lower roof trim on Town models

[my66cruiser]

Hi, I am putting back on the lower roofside town trim. These are the big ones with four 1/4" studs protruding out the back. Thread cutting nuts are used to secure them. My question is how to keep water out of the gigantic four, 1/2" holes in the sheet metal on each side of the car. There was some kinda soft, black caulking used to seal the holes. What is this stuff and is modern silicone a better solution? Thanks.

 

[Nitrous Bob]

I used the black sealing putty that's used on automotive air conditioning around the firewall. Comes on a roll. I put a ball on each stud, 'bout the size of a candy jaw breaker, had someone push and hold the trim while I tightened the nuts. Worked great. Think I got mine at NAPA. It's been around the garage for awhile. Hope this helps.

 

[my66cruiser]

I used the black sealing putty that's used on automotive air conditioning around the firewall. Comes on a roll. I put a ball on each stud, 'bout the size of a candy jaw breaker, had someone push and hold the trim while I tightened the nuts. Worked great. Think I got mine at NAPA. It's been around the garage for awhile. Hope this helps.

Hi Nitrous Bob. Boy you must breathe nitrous because that was the fastest response I ever got. I was sitting in my garage in the yard writing my question. When I got in the house, there was ur answer.

Anyway I am on my cell and I didn't Know how to add the photos I took of the old stuff - its still flattened and surrounding the studs. But it does have the same consistency of that sealing putty you used. Yes, it's important that it gets squashed into the holes to keep water out. So the ball approach is good. Have a good one and I hope your car is well. Now if I can only find a nice pair of these big trim pieces. Mine aRe a little pitted. But these appear to be aluminum or something close. So maybe they won't rust.

 

[Terry64HT]

It is butyl rubber. It comes as a gooey paste that is a bear to deal with and also as a tape, usually called "glaziers tape", mostly used for glass installation. You can buy it on line. but normally in bunches of several rolls.
When I redid my exterior trim I bought 3 rolls and used about 2 1/2. Don't have a leak anywhere. It's the ideal thing for installing the side drip moulding.
If you only need enough to do a few studs, PM me and I'll send you some.
Terry
64HT

 

[my66cruiser]

Pictures of sealing technique - lower roof side Town moldings

Hi Terry64HT,

Thank you for offering the butyl rubber. I'm going to pick it up today so I can have it all done tonight. I have been looking at my car for years without these things on it so I wanna get them on before the busy weekend. They don't look new at all and have some pits, but they are respectable and in excellent mechanical condition too.

Nitrous Bob and Terry64HT, I am going to add the photos now that I tool last night so you can see.

Keep in mind, I removed my vinyl top and I am going hardtop now.

Thanks to you both for your help.


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