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I've been working on air dam panels putting in patches to replace egged out and cracked bolt holes. These will be the first panels I install on the cab. I have noticed that many of the truck's panels have evidence of stresses like this. Aside from the beaded lacing between body and fenders I want to use some type of thin soft material between panels to help prevent squeaking. What have you guys used?
I've been working on air dam panels putting in patches to replace egged out and cracked bolt holes. These will be the first panels I install on the cab. I have noticed that many of the truck's panels have evidence of stresses like this. Aside from the beaded lacing between body and fenders I want to use some type of thin soft material between panels to help prevent squeaking. What have you guys used?
Hi turnrjr,
This is the product that I used on my 54. I had seen it used for other uses and it seemed very similar to what was originally used on these trucks. I bought it at my local Home Hardware store. Very inexpensive. I have seen similar material used in the wall panel joints on 53 ft. semi trailers but don't know where you could get it. The material used on the trailers came in a roll and was about 1/8" thick and 3/8" wide.
Hi again,
I run out of room when I previewed my post- oops.
When using the CRACK SEAL I used two beads of it in each joint, when the panels were bolted together it squished out of the joints and I had to remove the excess. It seemed to fill any gaps fairly well. Should also keep any water from getting between the joints also. Of coarse there will be a grey seam between the panels that will weather with age. All my panels were painted before assembly so I don't know if paint will stick to it or not, I don't think it will.
I know that this subject was discussed here not very long ago but don't know how you would find it.
I'm sure someone will come along with more knowledge, better ideas and how to find the old posts.
Hope this helps,
old ugly
Interesting about the TSB Kevin. Maybe I should have welded a whole 18 gauge sheet to them instead of patches.
I was hoping to find some sort of synthetic tape like stuff to use between panels instead of a mastic material however the mastic would do a better job of filling the irregularities wouldn't it. Especially those that will not likely be disassembled again (in my lifetime anyway). I used the search at Midfifty website but didn't turn up anything relevant. I'll go through their catalog.
Thank you guys.