Seam Sealing

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Major System Category: Miscellaneous
Task: Seal seams
Parts: Eastwood Seam Sealer and spreader
Prerequisite Tasks:
Additional Costs: $28 for Eastwood product
Time Requirement: Minimal
Date Started: August 15, 2012
Date Completed:
When I work around the chassis, one of the things I notice are little cracks of light. This has nothing to do with the aluminum panels, riveting or anything that is attached to the car. This is specific to the chassis. If I can see light, then wind and water can move through those cracks as well. One of my neighbors suggested black silicone. A good suggestion, black silicone is already used as a sealer when riveting panels to the chassis or each other. I decided I wanted something to augment the silicone.

Behind the seat and next tot he interior tunnel wall on the passenger side. 

Same area on the driver's side.

A couple of weeks ago, I sent away for a can of the Eastwood Seam Sealer. It is supposed to insulate and waterproof areas. The can says it is brushable, but I found it easier to use a spreader (e.g. like those used for fiberglass). A little bit can go a long ways. Use this product in a well ventilated area, and wear some gloves. It is a gray goop that is spread over the area.

Passenger side foot well inside the inner panel that seals off the evaporator unit.  This is currently dismantled due  to AC work. The driver's side is sealed up, so I plan to apply this from under the chassis as well.

The areas on the chassis I most concerned with are the frame areas in the footwells and behind the seats on the floors. This is where the powder coated floor panel meets chassis cross members. This is not a task that contributes to horsepower or handling. It is  not dramatic like getting wheels on the suspension. It is a task no one sees, and if done right, no one notices. The last thing I want is to be rolling down the road and hear a whistle sound through some gap..

Driver's side foot well. There are a number of rivet seams here and it is forward facing (i.e. a greater chance for wind and water to penetrate the cockpit area)

Same area on the passenger side. This is the outer footwell. One of the few pieces that is still assembled due to the AC work.

 The seam sealer spreads easily and takes about 60 minutes to dry.It can be sanded. Although, this  area will be covered by sound proofing material as well. To me it is more important get things sealed up. Once the sound proof layer and carpet is applied, it is doubtful anyone will nothing minimal differences in the sub surface due to the sealer.