BJ7 body panel reassembly- seals etc question

[robert_ellison]

@ questions:
1. what is the correct method to seal between the back of the front shroud and the frame.

2. Is there a rubber strip between the fenders and shrouds?

Any other reassembly suggestions/tip would also be helpful.

Thanks,

Robert

 

[Johnny]

Originally the rear of the front shroud only had a smearing of some type of sealant near the center and along the edge of the firewall to keep engine heat out. Over time this sealant hardened and usually "let go". I used a black strip sealant from 3M sold at Auto paint shops, dubbed "dum-dum" by some. You need something along that edge and the corners to keep water from entering the cockpit area. The rear shroud can use something also where it contacts the inner fenders and along the bottom where it meets the shelf.

From the factory I don't think they used anything to seal the fenders from the shrouds. Personally, I think you need something there also.

 

[robert_ellison]

Johnny,

Thank you for the assistance. Do you mean from the rear shroud to the frame sidewalls or to the fender itself?

Also, when you say "center" of the front shroud do you mean a strip from side to side or around the demister openings? (Or both.)

Robert

 

[John Loftus]

Hi Robert,

There was a thread on this last year with pictures to show the areas to cover on the front shroud to super structure.
shroud sealer location thread

Also opinions on which type of sealer/adhesive to use. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/hammer.gif For the rear shroud I also used 3M strip calk (butyl rubber) anywhere the aluminum contacted the steel super structure. Here's the data sheet on 3M strip calk which gives some info on it's features.

3M strip calk data

Also heard that some restoration shops use black silicone adhesive sealer.

Cheers,
John

 

[Keoke]

Hi Robert John has pointed you in the right direction. What ever sealer adhesive you chose it is imperative that it securely adhere and seal the shroud to the top of the scuttle structure as well as to the front support just ahead of the radiator.--Fwiw--Keoke

 

[roscoe]

Robert,
I vote for the 3M black strip caulk. It is available at most automotive refinishing dealers. Based on my experience with silicones I would hate to have to pull a shroud that was glued on with that sort of stuff. I used the 3M product after much soul searching. I actually did have to remove the front shroud once after I had mounted it because I put too much of the stuff on in some spots. It was a bit of work, but no harm was done (except for the big slap mark on my forehead, when I realized I couldn't squish it down enough).

Jon Robbins

 

[Johnny]

Jon, I had to laugh when you said that. I ended up "sitting" on top of the shroud in a few places to get squished. Yes, the 3M caulk allows you to remove the shroud.

Thanks Keoke for remingding me about the frontal area as well.

Robert, yes you need a sealant in both areas mentioned on the front shroud. Keep in mind you're trying to eliminate water coming in and hot air. I don't think you can put too much on, just clean up afterwards.

 

[Keoke]

Well Johnny, water and cockpit heat are a concern. However, if you fail to use an adhesive type sealant then body movement will cause the screws in the aluminum shroud to auger out their holes.---Keoke--AZ-- /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cowboy.gif