Drip Rail Sealant

[TravisB]

Hey guys, it’s been a while since I took my truck apart and had it sand blasted. It’s at the body shop now and I’m curious if there’s meant to be any sealing layer or glue strip between the drip rail and the cab to keep water from the fastener holes.

Do they glue and screw or just screw on and then everything gets pained before the chrome strip is applied?

 

[Old Guy Bill]

I don’t know about what was used originally but I used a very thin layer of black RTV when I put mine back on.

 

[Russtypickle]

Ya, I used seam sealer in mine to help keep moisture away. Once moisture gets in there it's hard for it to dry out.

 

[bucket]

I don't know what GM used on them, but a lot of 80's and 90's GM cars used a thin, sticky back sealing tape on weatherstripping rails and things that were attached the same way as the squarebody drip rails. The mounting screws usually had some type of goopy/tacky sealant on them as well.

It worked well, there was no chance of making a mess and the parts could also be removed and easily reinstalled as well.

 

[Keith Seymore]

I don't know what GM used on them, but a lot of 80's and 90's GM cars used a thin, sticky back sealing tape on weatherstripping rails and things that were attached the same way as the squarebody drip rails. The mounting screws usually had some type of goopy/tacky sealant on them as well.

It worked well, there was no chance of making a mess and the parts could also be removed and easily reinstalled as well.

This is correct.

Sort of a super thin two-sided black adhesive tape.

The screws had sort of a waxy daub on the end which spread across the threads when installing.

K

 

[AuroraGirl]

butyl is likely what you are talking about, if i had to guess
butyl is goopy and stays tacky for a long time and can be reapplied with a good longevity
but not forever lol
But it did its job!

 

[bucket]

butyl is likely what you are talking about, if i had to guess
butyl is goopy and stays tacky for a long time and can be reapplied with a good longevity
but not forever lol
But it did its job!

The stuff on the screws was usually a translucent amber type color. Not sure what it was. More rubbery than gooey.

 

[Bennyt]

You can buy a tape from 3m for this purpose. Should be available at any body supply. They offer it in multiple thicknesses and widths. You want the thinnest and also narrower than the trim as it expands when crushed during install. Apply it to the drip rail at the top edge so it expands cleanly downward so it isn't visible when getting in/ out of the truck. Hope that makes sense.

 

[AuroraGirl]

The stuff on the screws was usually a translucent amber type color. Not sure what it was. More rubbery than gooey.

butyl can be multiple colors
And interesting

Maybe ..something organic esp if it gets old and degrades by now

 

[59840Surfer]

I have used windshield polyurethane glue on mine.

Do NOT get it on any part of your (human) body. I know of what I speak here.