What adhesive should I use?

[want_a_bimmer]

The rubber piping around the exterior of my convertible window popped off. THis is on a '98 BMW 328i. I need suggestions (other than super glue) for the correct adhesive to use to fix. Here is a pic:

[Mathew Neal]

what is that tar like stuff that they put new windows in with???

[supertack]

Goop automotive, maybe?

[mankiks323i00]

butyl tape is what it is. Napa sells it around 10 dollars its rolled up in a i think 20 foot role comes in different size diameters. This stuff is also used for the door vaper barriers to keep them sealed

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

butyl tape does work, just be sure to clean the area well

[ekim]

What is the door vaper? I have an issure where when I put my window up, it lifts the rubber seal away from where it was attached. This allows air to get in. Is this what you are talking about?

[Geno325is]

use some clear silicone adhesive

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Originally posted by ekim
What is the door vaper? I have an issure where when I put my window up, it lifts the rubber seal away from where it was attached. This allows air to get in. Is this what you are talking about?

Nope. The "door vapor barrier" is typically a sheet of thin plastic that is glued to the inside of the door frame, before the interior panelling is installed. It keeps any moisture that gets inside the door from soaking into the interior panelling and starting it rotting. It also serves other purposes...

I think most carmakers use a thin but tough clear vinyl film stuff, kinda like really beefy plastic wrap. I've seen everything up to and including sliced-open Hefty kitchen garbage bags used, though...

--DD

[ekim]

"butyl tape does work, just be sure to clean the area well"

What is the best thing to use for cleaning?

Can this tape also be used for rubber stripping around the windows?

Thanks!
Mike

[blkongry]

Don't go with the butyl tape... take Geno's input and use the silicone adhesive. The reason? This is a piece that is exposed to the environment all the time... heat, UV, cold, wet, dirt, etc. The butyl tape has adhesive that will turn soft and let go with heat, plus it will collect dirt... many other things. The silicone or RTV (room temperature vulcanization) polymer will cure to a solid that will never let go, no matter what the environment (well, to a point ya know). Silicone is resilient as hell, which is why it is used for so many seal and adhesive purposes. Just got to the Depot or Lowe's... they'll have a selection and you can choose the one that is the best fit.

Oh, and yes Mike, this stuff can be used for the rubber stripping around the windows too. I would go with the clear sealant just so clean up isn't as critical and you can be a little more generous with the amount you use.

[want_a_bimmer]

Blkongray,

Have you made this repair? I tried Marine Goop which is essentially clear silicone. It did not hold and now the trim is coming off even more. Have you had to repair yours or have you done this? Did it work?

[blkongry]

I've repaired the straight portions of the rear lip, but not where it flexes. Once it breaks away at the flex area, it's pretty hard to get it to stay. I used a flexible silicone adhesive (can't remember what brand), but if I were to do it again, I'd probably use contact cement for vinyl and vinyl coated fabrics... since it seems directly suited to the purpose. I don't know where you can get it other than through McMaster-Carr www.mcmaster.com Item#7507A2. The silicone is good for a durable weather-resistant repair, but if the repair is pulled taught (like yours is since it is around the rear corner), the contact cement will probably have greater holding power.

[Wayne 962]

I like 3M Super WeatherStrip. Very strong stuff...

-Wayne