I removed the front kick panels from my '68 and there was gray window putty type sealer between them and the ducts in the body. Is this the way they came from the factory? This putty is not too pliable anymore and will need to be replaced if it is what the factory used. What is the substitute for this if the original type stuff can't be found? How much is needed for each side? Thanks for any responses!

Yes , that is the way the factory sealed the water out of the interior.You should replace with new before putting it back in. I think its called rope caulk.

I used a product called Permagum,it never hardens and works very well.I Purchased it through Granger supply Co. 425-251-5030.The product is made for the HVAC industry.I think Granger's part# is 4s154-5.That # is one of many on the shipping box.I hope this helps you.Andy.

I've used plumbers putty... available at home depot and the same color as the original stuff... and used to make something water tight.

i got some stuff at the electrical section of Lowes. Not sure what it's called, but it was in a bar about 1x1x10.

What you need to use is thumb gum... I own a hvac co and know first hand.. I personally would not use plumbers putty or the stuff from lowes...the elec. sealant will not break down but with a good hot day it will ozz and creap out onto your rugs if you over do it with the putty...the plumbers putty is meant to form a thin seal on a more stable part, hence the sink to counter top or a faucet to the sink. in a large built up it will eventually harden up shrink and fall out. The stuff you are looking for is made by a co called divirsfied it is cheap like 2-3 bucks and sold at any good supply house.....if you can't find it drop me a line I will get it for ya....the stuff also works great when your installing your water shields onto your doors....the factory used it under the wiper pissers and sealed the door hindges to the body with it as well. Have used it with great success for years hope this helps Tom

Thanks for the good info on this topic. I will be putting new water shields on my car soon as well as the kick panels. So, the product is called Thumb Gum? Is this available thru Grainger? Can you provide me a source to buy it from before I bother you to get it for me? Again, thanks for the tip. Just what I was looking for.

I would nbot use plumbers putty. It will dry up. The right stuff is duct seal or dum dum. It is found in the electrical dept at most home improvement centers. Its stays pliable and seals real good. It is pretty much the same stuff they used at the factory.

See this post:

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82244&highlight=dum

The stuff I was refering to is duct seal it is called thumb gum as a general name Here is a phone number 856-251-9277 they are in NJ I'm sure they will ship it to ya Don't get this at a electric store or home center as it is wrong as much as it looks the same it is not! Trust me I have used it in the past and made a mess of what I was working on. Ask for Anothy he is my cousin My name Tom Bradly from Bradly LLC He'll set ya straight Tom

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree then. I have taken apart 2 orig cars and they both had grey duct seal putty like the pic below. I have taken the old stuff and reformed it. To me it is the same composition. I used it on both my restorations with no problems. It does not melt or run onto your carpet on a hot day.


http://www.fototime.com/AC81A43C426B1EF/standard.jpg

guess we'll have to agree to disagree then. I have taken apart 2 orig cars and they both had grey duct seal putty like the pic below. I have taken the old stuff and reformed it. To me it is the same composition. I used it on both my restorations with no problems. It does not melt or run onto your carpet on a hot day.

Jonesy I'm not trying to battle, honestly I was just shedding some light to Rando on what we use and the difference in the 2 products if you look at the GB duct sealant/electric putty you'll see for one it is darker and it has a slimy feel to it when you knead to shape... the factory sealant is almost like play dough without the slimy feel more of a dry texture.... the sealant we use is lighter in color and is a match to the factory putty even in my business I have used the one you are referring to and have seem it actually almost drip off of heated duct work in the past. I too used this on several restos and witnessed the stuff ozz down the firewall of one of my own cars. That GB brand is more of a sealant for entrance cables on the outside of your home Gb is just trying to double up on sales to homeowners buying from a home center..... I know here in NJ in our summer months the stuff will drip like and ice cream cone on the dashboard one other thing I have noticed is that the GB brand when sealing your hinges etc in an area where it is visible will catch and stick everything that comes in contact with it...like leaves bugs you name it the diversified brand will not ...... It has worked well for me just thought I would pass it along I do have no doubt that the gb will seal as well for me its more of what it will do later....I know the thumb gum we use will be the same for years to come.... I'll put down my gloves LOL I am a man of peace and hopefully some knowledge please take no offence...I meant no harm Tom