IML: Sealing Imperial Roof and Trunk lid Trim

[Joe Strickland <jwstrick426@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Along with the discussion of sealing Imperial stainless steel roof 
panels there is the issue of how the roof trim should be sealed when it 
is re-installed.  On '62 models the standard trunk trim piece is a 
chrome rib that has several machine threaded studs that are accessed 
from the bottom side of the trunk lid.  The same issue would apply to 
sealing the roof trim on those years that have the SS roof trim, or even 
the conventional models that have roof trim pieces that go across the 
top as in '57-59 models etc.  What type of sealer was originally used?  
Was it 3-M automotive caulking compound?  Some of the trim I have seen 
elsewhere on the '62 I own was a foam plastic pad (usually circular in 
shape) that fit between the trim and the paint surface of the body part 
with the fastener on it underneath side of the body part.  I have been 
thinking about how to re-attach various trim pieces that have holes 
through the body sheet metal.  I am leaning toward the possibility of 
using clear GE silicone caulk.  It lasts for 20 years or so and remains 
flexible.  3-M caulk goes on soft, but eventually dries out.
Paul mentions that some of the stainless steel roof panels had a fiber 
pad underneath them (maybe some of them vibrated in the wind and made a 
buzzing noise?).  Others had the panels electrically spot welded in 
place.  Silicone sealer around the edges might work well and possibly 
even contact cement to hold the panels against the roof would work too.  
It would require that a person be careful how much contact cement 
build-up was added.  It would have to be evenly applied to prevent bumps 
or bulges underneath.  Then there is the issue of corrosion.  Any water 
that condenses underneath or somehow gets under the edges of the SS 
panels would be bound to cause rust.
I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but those are just some 
thoughts that came to mind.
Joe

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