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bobbber · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 1:28 pm Post subject: Seam Sealant

Most of the paint is now stripped from the front of the car.

However, I've noticed large bare seams where the 33 manual says it should have seam sealant on them. Looks like the seam guy was more interested in making pasta that day! Laughing

So folks... any ideas about what to replace the existing sealant with (as I'm taking this off) and the sealant that's missing? I've heard about an old brushable product, still avilable, called "dum dum". Anyone had any experience with this... or should I use something else?

Thanks!

Bob Cool

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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

gritsop · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject:

Hi Bob,

You have two options.

Either get Sika-Gard brushable seam sealer or get 3M seam sealer which comes in the form of cord.

The 3M product is great for areas that are in sight and you need an easthetically nice finish.

In both cases seam sealer should be painted over after it has dried after 2-3 days.

Hope this helps,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

john 33_16v · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:03 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Dum Dum is fantastic stuff, but i wouldn't call it brushable. It's like black plastacine, and it remains flexible. It's wicked for small sealing jobs, but i don't know how economical/good it would be for seam sealing.

For seams say on wings i'd use body joint which would come in a cartridge, and should be available from any bodyshop supplier like Jawal.

I bought my 2nd little tin of Dum Dum just the other week! The first one lasted 20 years from when i had my 2nd car! I even got it from the same dirty little motor factor which some how is still in business- cost £5 for a tin about half the voulme of a coke can.

John
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

bobbber · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:42 am Post subject:

Sounds like Dum Dum is a great product... albeit not for what I'm doing at the moment though John. Probably get a tin in, like you have, for those awkward holes and the like.

I think I'll be going for a brushable seam sealant of some kind (Than, Sika-Gard) as although I don't think that would look original - I think I would get the most permanent finish with it.

Thanks for your help folks!

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

bobbber · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:15 am Post subject:

Hmmm.... I've done some research on the "net" and there are contradicting views about when to use the sealant.

Some people say after the primer, some say on the bare metal.

I was thinking about etching with Metal Ready, using the seam sealer, then top coating.

Any ideas?

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

gritsop · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:21 am Post subject:

Hi Bob,

Whenever I had to remove old sealer from the 33 I did found the metal primed under the sealed area.

I guess it is a good approach to prime the metal, use sealer and apply the top poat .

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

rsfruitbat · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:57 pm Post subject:

Hi Bobbber.
I have used it in the past mainly for when the old MIG has been having a play. The brushable stuff gives a finish the same as what you get on the edges of the boot floor. Need to be liberal with it to get the right effect though. There is some stuff listed in the frost catalogue. havent used that brand. Mine is a green and blue tin. If you need me to I can have a look too see who the manufacturer is.

rsfruitbat