Skip to main content

MadaboutKitcars

This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.

Sealant

3 Apr 2012, 10:25pm
I know there's a strong chance that rain may get into the car from the top, but it would be nice to stop it coming in from underneath!!

I have run out of excuses as to why I shouldn't fit the floor panels yet and I'm interested in what other builders have used to seal the joint between the floor panels and the chassis. There's all sorts of stuff in the DIY stores ranging from silicone in a number of colours to frame sealant and masticks. I guess you need something that stays flexible and allows the floors to come out again if necessary :tape2: but are there any readily available automotive or sheet metal panel sealants that people have used and are better than the DIY shop offerings.
4 Apr 2012, 6:16am
Used standard black sealant for weather protection from wheel splash. Done a good job and was easy to stanley knife through. Very strong as well.

I would say tiger seal as this is very very strong. But is a sod to work with (needs petrol or something to move it when appling with finger). And sticks like nothing else! So not easy to remove after.
4 Apr 2012, 6:44am
I used Silkaflex. Same comments as tigerseal. So if you never plan to remove the floor panels then that is the stuff to use.
4 Apr 2012, 6:59am
I used Black RTV silicone. It's very strong but you can cut through it if you really need to. I think I used a good quality one (like Wurth) rather than a diy tube.
I also used stainless steel pop rivets so I hope I never have to take them out :eek:
TBH, probably a bit over engineered.
...peter
4 Apr 2012, 7:12am
I also used Sikaflex and stainless rivets. You need a good rivet gun and strong hands to set them!
Like Peter - I hope the floor never has to come out...

Robin
4 Apr 2012, 7:38pm
I completely seam welded my floor in so it is definitely not coming out!:icon_lol:
4 Apr 2012, 7:49pm
air pop rivet guns

Has anyone any experience with the cheaper air pop rivet guns? Will they do the job? I am not relishing the thought of exposing my hands, with thumbs screwed by rugby, to the floor rivetting! - John
4 Apr 2012, 8:07pm
Hi Jason,
Yep, I think thats the one I am looking at. Good, that should be better than by hand! -John
4 Apr 2012, 9:14pm
peterux wrote:
Nigel, Let me know if you want to borrow it. (or anyone else, but postage would be expensive due to it's weight)


Thanks Peter. I've got one of these that should do the job.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RIVNUT-TOOL-RIVETTER-LONG-ARM-M4-M10-Incl-Asstd-Box-Aluminium-Nutserts-/250939743321?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Other_Vehicle_Parts_Accessories_ET&hash=item3a6d2c9c59

It's a great piece of kit that does rivets and rivnuts up to M10. The only problem is that its a bit bulky in confined spaces so I may accept your offer.

(and take a closer look at the "upgraded" Sportster when I come to collect it!!).
4 Apr 2012, 10:23pm
Same here - If anyone wants to borrow my air riveter, let me know - more than happy to lend it out.
4 Apr 2012, 10:51pm
NigelB wrote:
Thanks Peter. I've got one of these that should do the job.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RIVNUT-TOOL-RIVETTER-LONG-ARM-M4-M10-Incl-Asstd-Box-Aluminium-Nutserts-/250939743321?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Other_Vehicle_Parts_Accessories_ET&hash=item3a6d2c9c59

It's a great piece of kit that does rivets and rivnuts up to M10. The only problem is that its a bit bulky in confined spaces so I may accept your offer.

(and take a closer look at the "upgraded" Sportster when I come to collect it!!).

Wow, that' a serious bit of kit for setting rivnuts! Same issue of bulkiness with my scissor riveter but your welcome if you need it.
I need to get some 'running-in' miles on my reconditioned engine, so may pop down to see you :wink: