Sikaflex

[ropey]

Got a leak in the drivers side footwell - only very minor at the mo. Want to get it sorted before it gets worse.

Have been recommended to Sikaflex the brake and clutch pipes into the cabin. Is Sikaflex a B&Q product? Or is there something similar at Halfords?

Suggestions/advice welcome.

Ropey

[IPAddis]

Sikaflex is the stuff used to attach windscreens. Normal silicone sealant (the type used to seal baths) is fine for this application.

Ian A.

[ropey]

Can I get black silicon sealant at Halfords then?

(sorry if this question is a bit dumb!)

[mustard]

ropey said:

Can I get black silicon sealant at Halfords then? (sorry if this question is a bit dumb!)

sold in a black and blue tub by all the other gasket sealents etc

[wwesty]

Sikaflex is recommended for its adhesive qualities - used extensively for attaching cycle wings on Westfields - so if all you are looking for is waterproofing/sealing then use the other stuff - probably easier to work with too.

[ropey]

Thanks chaps.

Another question - what's the chance of there being a leak around the bottom of the windscreen? The water is definitely coming in from somewhere high up - felt it when I was driving and used the windscreen washers.

If it is coming from the brake/clutch pipes, how does the water get into the area where those pipes are? I thought they are behind the body work?

Am going to test with a bucket this weekend, but thought I'd get some suggestions first.

Ropey

[IPAddis]

ropey said:

Another question - what's the chance of there being a leak around the bottom of the windscreen? The water is definitely coming in from somewhere high up - felt it when I was driving and used the windscreen washers.

Windscreens are usually OK. The washer tubes pass into the cabin so if you get wet when using the washer jets, it could be one is broken or detached.

Ian A.

[Big Al.]

wwesty said:

so if all you are looking for is waterproofing/sealing then use the other stuff - probably easier to work with too.

True, very true bit if you want the leak to stay fixed then use Sikaflex. Available at auto traders type stores i.e. Partco.

As the saying goes silicon is OK, but there's nothing like the real thing!

[ropey]

IPAddis said:

Windscreens are usually OK. The washer tubes pass into the cabin so if you get wet when using the washer jets, it could be one is broken or detached. Ian A.

Don't think so - also noticed it last time I washed the car. When using the washer jets, it's more when the excess water has run down under the bonnet.

Looks like I've got a fun filled Saturday ahead of me.

[matttav]

Ropey.... daft warning but Sikaflex is pure evil to remove from skin/nails etc... so get the marrygolds out, mask areas with masking tape and smooth with a knife etc

Its about £8 for the good stuff

taa

Matt (still trying to dislodge Sikaflex from his finger nails after 5 days, white spirit, nail varnish remover and soaking in the bath until the frost bite set in!)

>> Edited by matttav on Wednesday 22 September 14:33

[stephen pook]

Agree with the previous post about longevity.

As a surveyor I specify Sika products for sealing junctions between building materials such as uPVC frames and masory etc, as they are known to last and to retain their flexibility with time unlike some cheaper products. Sika produce a range of sealants for different materials and situations so best to check with the manufacturer about suitability.

Almost certainly better than cheap off the shelf products.

Steve.

[IPAddis]

stephen pook said:

Agree with the previous post about longevity.

True but on a TVR, the object being sealed will need replacing way before normal silicone sealant expires!