The caulking or putty in the rain channel or "gutter" around the roof of my '92 E150 is cracking and holds water. There is also a loss of paint and a little rust developing in some areas.

Anyone ever replace this stuff? Whatever they used, it has seen better days. Any ideas on digging it out and replacing it or is there something to seal it with without having to go through all that, then having to paint?

I thought about getting some rust reformer to put into the cracks, then sand the visible rust off the roof and prime and use touch up paint (they are very small areas), seal it with marine silicone or something that will handle being in the sun. My biggest concern is rust under the cracks.

Your help will be appreciated. tree

 

I have a similar problem. The gurus in the paint and body forum might have the right info if you don't get answer here.

 

I thought I would try it here first, as it seems to be a van thing, but will post there if necessary. I guess we wait anxiously to be delivered from putty blight. Or if you want to post it there as well, feel free Trike1946. Tree

I once was in the market for a van, looked at a Dodge, looked great and seemed cheap for the price. I stepped on the step by the drivers door and looked at the roof, all cave in, like the whole family decided to watch the fireworks from up there.

I also had rusting problems on my '74 Dodge. Painted the roof white, except around the edges and no one knew, except aircraft.

 

Years ago, I got some silicone caulking at the Home Improvement store that would stick to metal. I removed all the old stuff I could, sanded the rust, primed, and installed the new. It lasted well for the couple years I had it before being sold.

They probably make a designated caulk for this purpose, so, as mentioned, maybe check with a body shop.

 

Once the water gets underneath, rust seems to quickly propigate up and down the channel. To do the job right you're best off ripping it all out to get the rust and then refilling.

The proper product is called self-leveling automotive seam sealer. I plan to tackle mine when the weather gets warm with a product from Lord-Fusor. It's a two-part adhesive and requires a special adaptor for your caulking gun, but you can paint over it and duplicate your original seam.

 

the Lord-Fusor works well, or 3M automotive panel seam sealer.