Caulking around door lock and wing window access panels

[Daniel B.]

The access panels to the door lock and wing vent on my 64 roadster had caulking on them when I removed them. The caulking did not go completely around the panels so a tight seal was not achieved. Various types of caulking have been used over the years. Were these panels caulked at the factory? Doesn't look like it served any purpose except to keep the panel attached until the bolts were installed.
Thanks
Dan

[Ken A.]

Re: Caulking around door lock and wing window access panels

Zip sells it, 3M makes it.

[Daniel B.]

Re: Caulking around door lock and wing window access panels

I have the 3M material but was wondering if it was original from the factory. The panels are on the outside of the vapor barrier and caulking them doesn't seem to be of value.

[Marco H.]

Re: Caulking around door lock and wing window access panels

Yes, caulking (strip caulk) was applied at the factory. They also used caulk on the lock pivots, door latch, release lever, outside door handle backing plate and bottom attachment stud of vent assembly. The window track attaching bolts received caulk as well. The extra hole for the window regulators were filled with caulk also. Same as on the body mount access plate in the rear wheel well.

[Daniel B.]

Re: Caulking around door lock and wing window access panels

Marco
Thanks. Is there a research source that shows where the caulking was applied? Some of the plates were only partly outlined with caulk while others were completely surounded. Looks like the caulk has been applied a couple of times of the years and it would be nice to get it applied as it was at the factory.
Thanks
Dan

[Marco H.]

Re: Caulking around door lock and wing window access panels

Dan,
Check the Assembly Manual. I don't believe there was much science to it. The intention was to have the large plate caulked on 3 sides (top and sides) and the small plate all the way around. Some parts, as door release mechanism and latch were installed prior to the body paint process (caulk may have over spray), however the access plates are installed during final assembly (caulk, plate and screws free of body color).
Hope this helps,
Marco

[Daniel B.]

Re: Caulking around door lock and wing window access panels

Marco
Helped a great deal.
Thanks
Dan