Dustproofing 101

[55 Fargo]

Does anyone happen to know all of the key areas to seal with caulking or seam sealant to keep dust out of our old cars.

Although I have a 47 Chrysler, the bodies designs for all 1946 to 1948 PDCD are similar,in structure, especially the floor and inside of the trunk design.

In the trunk, the joint along the bottom edge that runs along the wheel well looks like a real culprit for draft and dust. The removeable floor plate is another, but this you would use foam weather strip on. The trunk weather strip, the door weather strip, would be areas of concern. But I do notice on a dusty gravel road, the body itself, is not so much a problem for dust, but a lot of areas on the floor seams and corners are invites for dust.

I am going to be seam sealing everything tomorrow, so just looking for some experience with this problem.

Unfortunately, I live 2 1/2 miles from the highway, so I have no choice but to travle on a gravel road with this car. Looks like a possible move in the future, not crazy about dusting up this and my modern cars all the time, only thing I detest about country living.........Fred

[Brad Lustig]

If you want a permanent sealant, look at 3Ms 5200. For a less than permanent seal, 4200. Pricey but won't let go like caulk or silicone

[greg g]

Drive it down the road and see where the dust come in. inner fender to bosy joint I think would be the biggest area. Do you have new draft seals for your pedals??? I know we used to d a lot of dirt road running on rallys and the trunk seal was always an area that was a problem on the old rally cars. Maks sure your drain plug is secure in the spare tire well.

[Jeff.P_46]

My reproduction manual I bought off E-bay has a section on dust proofing but I don't have it in front of my.

Jeff

[55 Fargo]

Hi Jeff, I have one of those too. But if I remeber correctly, there were only a few areas they mentioned, I tend to think there are a number of spots where dust and air can infiltrate the inside...........Fred

[55 Fargo]

I have 3 drain holes in the spare tire well, what type of plug should I use to seal the holes, should I leave one open to drain any water that may come in. Don't see why I should leave any open, the trunk shouldn't be allowing any rain or water to get in, as the doors do, I know doors should have good drainage, as the rain can get in there from around the windows. What could I use for the sill mat holes, I don't have good sill mats, and until I can get some I will run without, but want to keep the holes, just in case, but they need to be sealed off for now..................Fred

[Plymouthy Adams]

actually the worst area for dust is the drain hole in the bottom of the wheel well..followed by the tail light and stop light bezels, though these are supposed to have a gasket, anyone who has taken one off can find a huge collection of dust and dirt here from years of use..the original asphalt based sealer does dry and crack over the ages..just a property of the tar...this is what allows moisture and dirt..using the 3M seam selaer is a tad on the expensive side but well worth the money...one hint for those that are using Rustoleum primer..be sure you have the primer in place and it is cured..(days) before applying 3M sealer..it will not set due to the fish oils cooking out the top surface..after dry however is good stuff..also do not apply Rustoleum primer over the newly applied seam sealer..use lacquer primer please...

[eric wissing]

Fred,

In my trunk's spare wheel well I cleaned it up, painted it and used some hot glue to hold a heavy peice of felt down. I figured water if it got in there could pass but dust would be prohibited from rising up. Eric

[55 Fargo]

Tim, too late painted over seam sealer with Tremclad black paint. I am not happy with the seam sealer, this stuff does not go on very eye appealing, I used both types, caulking style, and brushable, ended up smoothing it over with a putty knife. I am not pleased with this part of my work, looks like frankenstein under there, where the patches were welded in, and seam sealed over. There must be a better way to do this type of job to make it look better to the eye. The way it looks kind of reminds me of a sub-floor when the joints and screws are patched before the adhesive is put down before the vinyl floor is laid over it. You lift a vinyl floor or carpets in a lot of houses, and it looks pretty ugly under there..........Fred