Door Vapor Barrier ? and Rant
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SAN ANTONIO TX
Door Vapor Barrier ? and Rant
I picked up a set of vapor barriers from Corvette America for my 81. The way I read the listing was that sealant was included with purchase. I received the pkg and no sealant. I contacted CA and they told me it doesnt come with it. I spoke to 3 different customer service agents and they told me it doesnt. OK, I may have misread it but to me, the difference in the listing is the type of material used to mfr the barriers but all comes with sealant.
Not a huge deal really, thought it'd be good customer service just to send some over rather than try to sell me some at 13 bux!!!
Anyway, So my question is:
What do you use for the caulk/sealant to hold your door panel vapor barriers in place. The stuff on my doors is almost non existent.
Thx
Not a huge deal really, thought it'd be good customer service just to send some over rather than try to sell me some at 13 bux!!!
Anyway, So my question is:
What do you use for the caulk/sealant to hold your door panel vapor barriers in place. The stuff on my doors is almost non existent.
Thx
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Plumber's putty will dry hard. The sealant used on the vapor barriers was a black, non-hardening, tar-like material. Not sure what the modern-day equivalent would be. What you want is something that, when you remove the vapor barrier, you can re-attach it using the original sealant [which stays on the door surface].
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
I agree...the 3M strip caulk is the way to go.
MAKE SURE that you closely look at Alan's photo's on how he applied the black strip caulk.
You just don't slap the strip caulk on and paste the plastic in place. There is a specific routing of the caulk on the lower horizontal run. This is so the water that makes it to the plastic barrier...actually gets routed to the cut-outs in the door inner structure which is where this water will drain into the inner part of the door...and then out of the lower drain areas.
The vertical runs are also important....so be aware also.
IF you do not place the strip caulk carefully and conscientiously...you can get water that will collect and cause the inner structure to rust. I have seen it many, many times.
DUB
MAKE SURE that you closely look at Alan's photo's on how he applied the black strip caulk.
You just don't slap the strip caulk on and paste the plastic in place. There is a specific routing of the caulk on the lower horizontal run. This is so the water that makes it to the plastic barrier...actually gets routed to the cut-outs in the door inner structure which is where this water will drain into the inner part of the door...and then out of the lower drain areas.
The vertical runs are also important....so be aware also.
IF you do not place the strip caulk carefully and conscientiously...you can get water that will collect and cause the inner structure to rust. I have seen it many, many times.
DUB
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Skip Shift
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,031
Likes: 419
From: Citrus Hills, Florida
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 15
From: Mobile Alabama
[QUOTE=Alan 71;1585824719]Hi,
3M Strip Caulk is very similar to what was used originally.
It's available at most auto supply stores.
Regards,
Alan
I just want to say ALAN is THE MAN!
Always helpful, and he must have 10 terabytes of pictures from his restoration.
3M Strip Caulk is very similar to what was used originally.
It's available at most auto supply stores.
Regards,
Alan
I just want to say ALAN is THE MAN!
Always helpful, and he must have 10 terabytes of pictures from his restoration.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SAN ANTONIO TX
Thanks for all of the replies. I will ck the parts store tomorrow. I also want to say that CA emailed me later this evening stating they will send the sealant to me for free and will change the wording to be more specific. I told them thanks but I want to work on the doors this weekend while the weather is good and hopefully finish them up making them functional. Once I find out where this PS rearview mirror plugs in...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,315
Likes: 4,417
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Bob,
Yes, those are original vapor barriers which are vacuum formed to conform to the door and window mechanisms.
Some of the barrier kit's being sold now are just flat plastic.
Regards,
Alan
Yes, those are original vapor barriers which are vacuum formed to conform to the door and window mechanisms.
Some of the barrier kit's being sold now are just flat plastic.
Regards,
Alan
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 208
From: Loveland, CO
I've used some to these recently. Did not come vacuum formed like Alan posted. Now, I just use some thick visqueen and cut out my own. That's all you get from most vendors, so save the money.
Ralph
Ralph
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
These barriers are formed. http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27599
Door Panel Vapor Barriers. 68-77
1968-1982 Door Panel Vapor Barriers
The 1968-77 Vapor Barriers are Correctly Molded like the Originals.
• Previously unavailable from GM
• Correctly shaped and formed as original
• Made from 10mil polyethylene as original
• Trimmed to final exterior shape
• Holes cut for door handle and lock ****.
• Shipped without hole cut for window crank so will work for both manual and power window cars.
Door Panel Vapor Barriers. 68-77
1968-1982 Door Panel Vapor Barriers
The 1968-77 Vapor Barriers are Correctly Molded like the Originals.
• Previously unavailable from GM
• Correctly shaped and formed as original
• Made from 10mil polyethylene as original
• Trimmed to final exterior shape
• Holes cut for door handle and lock ****.
• Shipped without hole cut for window crank so will work for both manual and power window cars.