I want to reinstall my kick panels. When I removed the passenger's side panel, there was a large amount of caulk....like window caulk around the duct. It sealed to the back of the kick panel. Is this the way GM built them? I did not see the same on my driver's side panel. Thanks for any replies.

Yes the caulk should be behind both kick panels. Your drivers side must have been replaced one time or another. They say if the caulk is not there the kick panel will leak water around it.

Roger

If it is an AC car the drivers side is blocked off with a metal plate that is sealed.

My 68 was not blocked off by a metal plate... but it did have the grey goup.

What type sealer do you use? Would windshield butyl work?

I used a material called duct seal. It is used in the electrical industry to seal off conduit and duct work from moisture. I had the same caulk stuff behind my kickpanel too. It is an AC car

You can use 3M strip caulk. Don't be shy, as most know they are notorious for leaking. Don't use windshield butyl as suggested (no offense); it would be a bear to get off again if needed.

And, don't be surprised if you use more than you think is enough, only to have it leak.

I rolled my seal into strips and stuck it to the perimeter of the plate and when I tightened it down, I removed the excess as it was squeezed out.

Dan 69 LeMans Blue AC PB PS 454

I want to reinstall my kick panels. When I removed the passenger's side panel, there was a large amount of caulk....like window caulk around the duct. It sealed to the back of the kick panel. Is this the way GM built them? I did not see the same on my driver's side panel. Thanks for any replies.
There have been several posts about this and the recommendation is a material commonly called thumb gum. It will stay pliable and not melt and make a mess. I got mine at Grainger, its called Permagum and was about $12 and is enough for 2-3 cars. Have fun! :yes:

You can use 3M strip caulk. Don't be shy, as most know they are notorious for leaking. Don't use windshield butyl as suggested (no offense); it would be a bear to get off again if needed.


No offense taken. Was just wondering if it was the same stuff. I will be installing new kick panels soon and had not even considered this until seeing this thread. I went and looked at the back of my old ones and realized some type sealing material was there. TC saves my butt again from a disaster later!
Thanks guys

I think the best thing is Duct Sealer like some have recommended. It comes in a soft brick for just a few dollars and is usually used to seal electrical conduit and boxes. I discovered it searching the "kick panel" threads here.

You can get it a Lowe's. It will be on the electrical/conduit/cable aisle right around the Ideal brand stuff like wire nuts and wire ties. It should be Ideal brand and will be in a white plastic wrapper about the size of a chalkboard eraser. Rolls out easy, real sticky, seals great, will not harden, and releases when disassembled with enough oomph put on it.

Thank guys I have install my kick panels and didn't use any at all not know why they put so much in there. I will be getting some of that ducting chalk very soon. Thanks again John

I looked up the Permagum and it looks pretty good to and actually resembles duct seal. I think either one wold be fine. Good Luck

Dan 69 LeMans Blue 454 PS PDB AC

I used the block purchased at Lowe's and ending up using the whole block on the car. The stuff is cheap and the kick panels have never leaked.