Hi all- Anyone know of an auto body sealer that's permanently flexible and NOT a glue? As I took my delivery truck apart, especially the back door hinges, there was a sealant I scraped out that was similar to "duct seal" or "poster putty" - it still could be worked like dough even though it had probably been in there for 60 years. I need to seal that joint against water but I don't want anything that will damage the paint and I can't use a cork or rubber gasket because otherwise the two doors will scrape together. I hardly have a millimeter to spare. Anyone know of a body sealant like this? It needs to be safe for the paint. So far I'm only finding silicone-type sealants that dry like weak glue. I don't want it to bond to the paint at all, just to squeeze around and keep water from getting between the two flanges. Joe 1949 Dodge Route Van (NOT for sale).
Sounds like "Seam Sealer" would work for you. Buy at any autobody supply store (and even some of the chain parts stores), either in cartridge for caulking gun, or in can to spread. Stays flexible, doesn't hurt paint, etc...
Is this a hidden area ,Im in the carpentry buisness ,And phenoseal might work for you ,Its an adhesive caulk
It's definitely in a hidden area (between two flanges that are bolted together). It's a 5-foot long hinge with about 9 bolts on each flange. I was looking at some of the 3M seam sealers online and one looked like maybe a putty-type but they also talked about being tack-free and paintable, and I envision this as permanently tacky and never to be painted. Thanks for the quick tips, I'll check those out.
The old 3M body caulking that is what was used hasn't been available for many years. The strip caulking mentioned above is similar but a little softer. The closest thing I've found lately is plumbers putty. it's available in hardware and the big box stores. Has about the same characteristics as that old body caulking.
Ooh, I'm liking the plumber's putty idea - I've got a ton of that stuff and that hadn't even crossed my mind!
I'll add to this that I bought some of the 3M strip caulk - Not bad and creates a really great seal. On the other hand, it's miserable to remove (think mineral spirits) and it is very firm. In my case, I have issues with the doors rubbing against the frame, and they closed great until I put the strip caulk in there. This spring I plan to remove the doors and hinges (again) and remove the strip caulk from that particular application and replace it with plumbers putty, which flows much more readily.
3M black strip caulk (# 08578) Gets my vote. I use it all the time. It will squish out from between the hinges when you tighten the bolts and clean up nicely with a mild solvent and a tooth brush. Ps, don't use your wifes tooth brush
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