Rob_I
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- June 19, 2020
- Messages
- 163
- Reaction score
- 45
- City, State
- New Hampshire
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2013 PIU 3.7 NA
I did a close inspection of the areas in question. I had both large gaps along the weld seam by the hinge and respectable cracks in the corners by the C pillar. The plastic flap sweep thing posed an interesting obstacle but with proper wedging of popsicle sticks, I got it out of the way just enough to not permanently adhere it to the wrong spot. Pay attention to the sweep
CLEAN THE AREA WELL. I wiped with paper towels, used a toothbrush to get rid of the bigger stuff, squirted some isopropyl and tooth brushed the iso around paying special attention to the cracks (duh), wiped with a paper towel again, let dry. Only took a few minutes.
That 3M urethane seam sealer is THE READ DEAL, so be mindful. This isn't hardware store RTV or something you might have around the house. We are talking some serious OEM stuff. If you make an oops use isopropyl alcohol. I applied a small bead then used small popsicle sticks to flatten and fill in the voids, like frosting a cake. It doesn't flow much so you may need to spread it in place. It's a tight spot to work so prep everything beforehand. Working time is around 10 min. Probably best done with the hatch off, but I didn't want to go there.
I'll take pictures later. I did it at work during my scant free time. Hopefully it will dry/set in this cooler weather. Expecting rain in 2 days.
CLEAN THE AREA WELL. I wiped with paper towels, used a toothbrush to get rid of the bigger stuff, squirted some isopropyl and tooth brushed the iso around paying special attention to the cracks (duh), wiped with a paper towel again, let dry. Only took a few minutes.
That 3M urethane seam sealer is THE READ DEAL, so be mindful. This isn't hardware store RTV or something you might have around the house. We are talking some serious OEM stuff. If you make an oops use isopropyl alcohol. I applied a small bead then used small popsicle sticks to flatten and fill in the voids, like frosting a cake. It doesn't flow much so you may need to spread it in place. It's a tight spot to work so prep everything beforehand. Working time is around 10 min. Probably best done with the hatch off, but I didn't want to go there.
I'll take pictures later. I did it at work during my scant free time. Hopefully it will dry/set in this cooler weather. Expecting rain in 2 days.