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Topic ClosedEdge screw replacement, butyl tape seal

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JA-Pod View Drop Down
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Joined: 28 May 2019
Location: Raleigh NC
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Posts: 34
Direct Link To This Post Topic: Edge screw replacement, butyl tape seal
    Posted: 03 Dec 2020 at 10:48pm
In 2019 I replaced the vinyl edge that covers the aluminum track and screws since the factory edge was cracking, (4 years old).  At the time I caulked over the screws of the aluminum channel thinking that there seemed to be no sealant from the factory for this edge except a bit of caulk next to the channel and the fiberglass roof. 

Now in (Nov 2020)  I noticed some rusty water running down the walls in two places.   To resolve this I have now started to replace the screws and seal the Aluminum edge channels, per direction from a  
Facebook contributor Doug Hanchett   (https://www.facebook.com/groups/56931970807/user/1348374207/)   an excellent posting!

He replaced the screws in the Aluminum channel, replaced the vinyl insert and then sealed the edges in EternaBond tape.  I am in the process of performing this mod/maintenance.  I have tackled the top of the pod first.  I replaced the factory screws with #10 Truss head Stainless screws and found many of the screws rusted,  some severely where they were not holding.  

I debated if I should seal the edge with eternabond (or equivalent) tape and if I ever needed to get at the edge and could not come up with a reason, soo I went for it.  Top first and will finish all edges as time and  weather permits.   Pics are what I pulled from the top edges,  and a pic of a factory non rusted and rusted screw.  The bottom truss head screw is the replacement.  When I pulled out the screws, I pulled one at a time and replace one at a time  also added caulk to the screw.   Not a difficult job,  just takes time,   also I was fortunate in that I performed the most critical part during the cool weather,  in the heat i believe the butyl tape will be tough to work with since it is   very   sticky.
Cheers!


John & Allison
R-Pod 179 (2017)
Nissan Frontier SL V6 4.0 (2019)
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 2020 at 8:52am
Butyl tape and eternabond are different materials. Using butyl tape in cold weather is not the best idea because it will be rock hard so won't conform well to the surfaces when you press them together. Eternabond is supposed to be more tolerant of cold temp application when the surfaces are properly primed, but I haven't tried it myself under those conditions. 
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 2020 at 11:06am
I used eternabond on my spoiler and applied it over last winter, as OG says, properly primed, clean, using eternabond recommended sprays. Worked fine.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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