what kind of sealant to stop water leaks?

[hpcgmc]

I've got the water the glovebox, water down the kickpanels, water on the floorboards and even water dripping from the sunroof blues! I tried some clear silicone from Home Depot on the sunroof and it didn't work that well. The paint shop had a tube of 3m automotive stuff, but it was $22.00 per tube! What are you guys using to stop leaks in the roof drip rail and under the cowl? I've also got to seal the glass and the brackets for the sunroof.

[longbed67]

There is a reason why 3m stuff is expensive... it usually works, but I would call 3m and see which of their product works best for your specific situation, then look online for the best price...

[68gmsee]

Agree with above re. 3M but if your low on funds like a lot of us these days, use some marine type sealant and lay a fine bead along the drip rail. Mine was already sealed and painted and I used the sealer as a precaution. Something to be aware of is that a lot of guys don't like to use any silicone based stuff as a primary sealer caues it keeps the paint from adhering properly.

Another thing to check.. Mine used to get a small puddle on the floor board and the glove box would get all soggy inside. After sealing everything I could think of I found the wiper motor seal was the culprit.

I used engine black sealant on the wiper motor seal. No more puddling inside.

[yuccales]

Check the antenna cable where it comes into the cab, smear the heck out of it with black RTV silicone, dried my glovebox right up!

[72restorationvirgin]

I just sealed my radio antenna gasket last week and my glove box is bone dry now. Still get the puddle on the passenger side floor mat tho. I used the 3M stuff for the antenna because as stated earlier it works good.
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[bobs409]

The black seam sealer from Eastwoods is really good. I think it's 14.99 a tube.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by 72restorationvirgin

I just sealed my radio antenna gasket last week and my glove box is bone dry now. Still get the puddle on the passenger side floor mat tho. I used the 3M stuff for the antenna because as stated earlier it works good.
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Did the same on mine especially during hard driving rains and after sealing everything I could think of including cab seam inside cowl (second pic) resolved by replacing large rubber seal on wiper motor as I mentioned above. Check it out carefully. Water travels along the bottom of dash panel inside and exits on the small openings under it ( first pic).

[72restorationvirgin]

Good pics. I'll check that out.
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[Classic Heartbeat]

Stay 100 miles away from your truck with silicone!! All you are going to do with that is cause huge rust problems. Silicone atracts moisture and repels paint. It also gets into the metal and will cause any new paint to fish eye! Use automotive products on your truck, not bathroom products. There is a reason why it is automotive. RTV is for engines, transmissions and rear ends, not body metal. 3M product may be expencive, but it wont destroy your truck. WES

PS.... Sorry, didn't mean to sound like a Dad scolding his son..

[hpcgmc]

Thanks for the input, especially Wes' input re: the evils of silicone on body work. I never knew that!

I'll spring the extra cash for the 3m auto sealer product. I'll be sure to seal the little drain spot on the dash to firewall seam inside, the under cowl seam outside, and check the antenna cable and wiper motor.

[Classic Heartbeat]

You'll do well my son... WES

[terry b]

Threre's some good stuff on here. I like to read your post's. I alway's learn something.

[Classic Heartbeat]

I am still learning myself... and I have been working on these trucks since 1980 or so... WES