Question on Panel Sealing Large Gaps

[txboiler]

I got my VIN from Indiana last week and have a renewed sense of urgency to complete the build. I have go-karted and worked through a very short list of bugs.

I have completed the final lay in and routing of the wiring and permanently installed all panels with the exception of the DS and PS outside panels and wheel well. I have the insulation and sound mat cut but not installed. Now seems like the best time to seal the large gaps in the panels (ex the PS lower right corner where the forward panel has the circular cutout for the round tube, around the lap belt tabs in the lower panel, etc). The largest gap in approximately 1/4 inch (on the PS round tube) and I am looking for advice on how to seal that.

I have purchased 3M Dynatron 550. I plan to fill/seal the gaps from the inside but I want a nice finish on the engine bay side. I plan to use a scrap piece of aluminum to cover the gap. I plan to cover the scrap piece of aluminum with teflon tape or mold release. After the dynatron cures I will removed the scrap piece of Aluminum.

I also plan to run a thin layer at all panel joints? I did use GE silicone when installing the panels. Is running thin layer of the dynatron 550 necessary?

Do anyone else have a better recommendation

[wallace18]

I make up patch panels to close up the gaps then use Black GE silicone.

[rthomas98]

are you using any sound deadener in the car? If you are going spray on like lizardskin, this will fill in what ever was missed.

[txboiler]

are you using any sound deadener in the car? If you are going spray on like lizardskin, this will fill in what ever was missed.

thanks for the feedback, I am using insulation mat not lizard skin.

[edwardb]

That front gap in the PS footbox around the tube is a little too big to only use RTV, seam sealer, whatever, IMO. Make up a patch panel from scrap aluminum and bond or rivet in place. I put it on the inside where it's least visible. Then insulate/carpet over it. The balance, e.g. around the seat belt mounts, and be filled with whatever product you prefer. I've use Marine Tex (available in white or grey/black) on several builds and like it. Stays where you put it. Very durable. If you put a piece of tape on the opposite side before applying a product, when it cures pull the tape and nice and clean. Aluminum with mold release or teflon will work for sure. But a little overkill even for me. :p

[txboiler]

Aluminum with mold release or teflon will work for sure. But a little overkill even for me. :p

LOL....your build threads and attention to detail have been comforting to my OCD

[rich grsc]

Leave them, rain water has to have away out of the cockpit. If you seal them up, you'll find yourself drilling holes in the floor for drains

[txboiler]

Leave them, rain water has to have away out of the cockpit. If you seal them up, you'll find yourself drilling holes in the floor for drains

rich thanks for that feedback. I do plan to leave some drain holes in passenger area but I did want to seal up the trunk and drop trunk