|
|
Post by 62shasta on May 18, 2011 22:03:21 GMT -5
We have had our Shasta for about a month now, and are prepping her for a new shinny paint job! I have a huge Caulk problem. The PO went crazy with Caulk and silicone everywhere. I have taken off all the drip caps and that was not so bad, but I want to take off all Caulk around the drip rail. Any suggestions on how I can do this. Also, the drip rail is in great shape other than it is cover in silicone and Caulk. I want to take it off clean it up and put it back on. Has anyone ever done this? Is it hard to put back on?
|
|
vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
|
Post by vikx on May 19, 2011 2:10:38 GMT -5
It's not very hard to r and r the drip rail. In fact, it's one of the best things you can do for your trailer. The edge is the MAIN leak problem, usually due to to old putty.
Remove the drip rail and cut the worst of the caulk off with a razor blade. Take your time and be patient. You can keep scraping and picking or try some of that expensive "silicone remover". Either way, it's a pain. Check the trim holes and glue toothpicks or dowels if needed so that the screws will "grab".
Put the new putty on the trim, not the trailer. Dab a small amount of gutter seal in each hole just before you re-install the trim. I use a little pick to line up the old holes. Use the same size screws, usually #8 x 1".
Once the trim is attached, use a rubber hammer to seat the trim into the putty. Trim the excess and you will have well sealed edge trim.
|
|
|
|
Post by Redwings on May 20, 2011 1:02:28 GMT -5
Vikx, your description is great! Is it possible to over-torque the screws thereby squishing out too much of the putty? Or is tighter better? Just wondering.
|
|
65jet
New Member
Posts: 23
|
Post by 65jet on Jun 5, 2011 10:01:46 GMT -5
I have the same problem with a caulk happy PO! What type of putty do you use under the drip rail? I don't want to be scraping away again! Thanks for any help!
|
|
Gone Kayaking
1K Post Member
long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
Posts: 1,600 
|
Post by Gone Kayaking on Jun 5, 2011 10:49:56 GMT -5
Butyl putty tape. It comes in a roll with a paper backing that peels off as you go. Available at all RV stores. When you do have to use a sealant get one that also is butyl based like vulkem or sikaflex, these stay strong and flex and don't become brittle.
|
|
vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
|
Post by vikx on Jun 12, 2011 1:33:48 GMT -5
Missed the above question. The screws can actually be too tight. You don't want a huge dip at each screw. Very snug would be good, with a sufficient amount of putty oozing. The rubber hammer comes in handy to even the snugness (is that a word?) and seat the trim. Sorry for the delay in answering.
|
|
|
|
Post by Redwings on Jun 12, 2011 9:30:28 GMT -5
Thanks, Vikx. Your reply is actually quite timely as we are removing and reinstalling the windows and j-channel on our SOB this weekend.
Your response will hopefully eliminate one of our areas of debate (read into this: marital discord based on j-channel installation opinion!)
|
|
|
|
Post by 62shasta on Jun 13, 2011 22:30:18 GMT -5
Well, it only took about a month but I have almost removed all the caulk!! I ended up ordering new drip rails. It would have taken years to clean off the old ones.
|
|
vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
|
Post by vikx on Jun 14, 2011 0:44:26 GMT -5
You might offer the old ones on Craiglist-somebody might want them.
|
|
