[TR] dum dum

[Dave1massey at cs.com]

I use it profusely.  My TR6 windshield leaked like a sieve.  I found that 
although the seal on the top was doing its job and sealing up against the 
aluminum finisher just fine the seal between the aluminum finisher and the 
windshield frame had failed.  After replacing the dum dum there the leaks 
disappeared.

I used calk at the rear fender seams (before I bought my supply of dum dum) 
to stop the water from wicking up at that joint.  But more importantly I 
painted everything including the inner fenders and all the mating surfaces.  
This is not what I would call a controlled experiment but I have no evidence 
of rust at the seams after 16 years.  The seam at the rear scuttle is a 
perfect storm for rust.  It is a three layer sandwich of steel and water is free 
to infiltrate, normally.  I attacked the problem by painting the flanges 
and all surfaces that are not exposed after assembly with a couple layers of 
rattlecan paint and sealed the joint to block out water and so far, so good.

I painted the inside surfaces on the front fenders, too since they get wet 
no matter what you do.

Dum dum is great stuff and available at any autobody supply.  Ask for "Dum 
Dum."  I've used rope window calk and although it will work in a pinch and 
is available at your local hardware store it doesn't have the same adhesive 
properties as dum dum.  Use the dum dum.  You'll thank your self later.

Dave

In a message dated 6/25/2012 7:34:01 PM Central Daylight Time, 
nafzigerg at yahoo.com writes: 
> How many people have used "dum dum" between fenders and body when they
> attach the fenders?  I've seen rolls of the stuff advertised and am 
> wondering
> about the need for that sealing between the body parts.