What is/where can I get this sealer?

[davidindevon]

With help on another thread I'v got the fuel tank out of Chimaera and replaced all the perished fuel lines and rusted through clips as far as the fuel pump and got the tank back in.

What is it and where can I get the original sealer for the holes where the lines go through the glass fibre panels please?
It looks like a white silicone putty as I can see the thumb prints of TVR factory man in it! It obviously sets after being 'thumbed' into place but is still rubbery and flexible and isn't aggressive to the fuel hose.

I've tried plumbers, marine chandlers, bathroom supplies, car repairers/dealers etc.
Thanks if anyone help.

[BuzzBillsberry]

I would use a pipe rubber grommet, open the hole out to fit it in, then seal over with silkaflex or equivalent silicone type product...it's been successful on the kit car and race cars I've built

HTH

Buzz

[davidindevon]

Sorry Buzz - thanks for suggestion. I considered it but no good... it's a raggy hole through fibreglass with two pipes going through and pretty inaccessible. Sikalflex would just come out like melted chocolate and my hands, arms and face would be covered in it for weeks. That's why they have used a semi set type of silicone putty in the first place (with thumb prints!) Everyone I've seen seems to know what I mean but no-one knows what its called or where to get it from. MUST be out there somewhere? ? ?

[TJC46]

You can just use a tube of silicone. What you need is some fine wire mesh, tea strainer or fine mesh culinder is a good description of what i mean. You cut the mesh to suit, then use anything, tape, wire, anything to hold it in position and apply a bead of silicone to it and the fibreglass, which when set will then hold in place.
Now you just fill the mesh face with plenty more silicone, you can use a teaspoon dipped in a little washing up liquid to help smooth it all out. When its all set, jobs done!

[davidindevon]

Hi thanks for that. Yes I've used that bodge before.
However, I don't fancy fixing wire next to petrol hoses - I replaced the hoses 'cos they were being chafed through in places.
I should emphasise I'm not working in unconfined space - I can only just get one finger to it and working against the force of nature called gravity.

Clearly these are reasons they used what they did when the car was built.
I just need to find the right stuff for the job - I've done enough of bodging in the past and it was always a false economy.
Regards to all.

[Doc Toad]

Have used this stuff on my boat when I needed to seal some throttle cables running through a fibreglass bulkhead.
It sticks to anything and dries pretty hard, but being epoxy resin it still gives a bit. Three years on it was still doing ok - no shrinkage/cracking...

http://www.gluelines.co.uk/product/araldite-plumbe...

Be a b*gger for the next poor sod who tries to replace the cables though

[glenrobbo]

Perhaps you could use DumDum Putty to fill the aperture around the pipes, then apply silicone sealant over that.
It's normally used on abutting body panels as an interfay.
Available from good motor factors or car bodyworkers suppliers.

[kris450]

I've just ordered the below for this very same job. Seems to be similar to what you a are describing re a mouldable substance that cures to a silicone like finish.

http://sugru.com

Seems quite expensive and no idea what the result will be like, but thought I'd give it a go. With the money I've spent on my body off so far, another £10 - £15 isn't the end of the world.

[phillpot]

Any good?

plumbers putty

[davidindevon]

Ah guys both - now those look more promising and there is a stockist about 12 miles from me so will go and investigate.
Obviously these products were not around when my car was built but so long as it has the same characteristics then I'll be happy.
It has taught me to make sure I have EVERYTHING I need BEFORE I start a job!
Thanks again.