Probably been asked before but here goes. I am going to reseal the rear roof rail on my Bailey Ranger GT60 500-5 (2009 model). What is the best mastic to use for this. I understand that Bailey use Soudal Rv61. Ive also heard that Sikaflex 221 can be used. There is mastic on a roll available but not sure if this is the correct stuff. I want to get this right so any advice would be most welcome.
Iv'e done both the front and rear roof strap on my Bailey. I used 32mm strip mastic as well as the Soudal RV61. I sealed the open edges where the aluminuim roof and plastic front/back meet, and I also used the mastic strip as double security. So that the screws don't grip the mastic and wrap it around weakening the seal I cut small holes in it where the screws went through, I used Soudal underneath and in the holes plus on the screw threads and then down all around the edges of the strap. My reasoning being that it didn't need to look too pretty up there but it did need to be watertight for another 11 years.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
I didn't need to replace any of the items, the screws were good quality stainless steel and I managed to keep the strap from buckling whilst gently releasing it, starting at one end. Just clean off all the sealant well with white spirit, then clean it all again with methylated spirits. The meths is to remove the white residue that the white spirit will leave, and if not removed, the new adhesive won't adhere properly.
Other tips?, find a good scraper that isn't going to scratch cff the paintwork or puncture the aluminium. Work clean and be thorough, you will get one chance to do it correctly.
Use something like a wedge to slide under the strap as it releases to lift it up away from the gunge or it will just re-stick itself. I used a broad bladed scraper or flat-bladed screwdriver and gently lift it a bit at a time so that I could get under with the white spirit to dissolve it. Gently does it or you end up bending the strap out of shape.
Try to do the work on a dry warm day, and wear some old clothes as it's a messy job
Pop the screws and end caps into a little container of white spirit, shake or stir occasionally as the gunge is removed, one again, wash them a second time in meths and dry them.
If any of your screws are not stainless or corroded, replace them.
Good luck, Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
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Topic: Re seal
