Wing re-fitting and paint codes

[cbst3]

Couple of questions:

1) Although Halfords can mix Marina Blue paint, they have two similar codes, 54D and 54D/R and can't say which is the correct match for my L54D. Has anyone had any experience of this? Which is the correct one?

2) Where the back of the wing bolts on, just in front of the door, there was originally some sort of mastic applied between the wing and body. Does anyone know what to use when re-fitting the wings?

Thanks.

Colin

[miketyp3]

I'd say if you're going to Halfords for your paint then pick any... because neither will match!
The "D" seems the logical one to go with though...

Maybe its a late car thing, but I've never seen anything other than the plastic wing beading used in the body to wing joint. The danger is it would make a better job of sealing water in than keeping it out!

There are various automotive mastics out there, from companies like Silka, but avoid DIY type silicone sealant.

Mike

[Editor]

The original mastic strip was just about 1" x 1/8" layer of mastic supplied in grease-proof paper. I would think any sort of non-setting mastic would do, but as Mike suggests avoid silicone as residues can make paint hard to stick!

[cbst3]

Thanks Mike and Dave, I'll avoid any silicon and see if I can find any suitable mastic.

Comment noted on the paint, any on-line suppliers worth dealing with instead? For the inner arches I'm not too worried about an exact match, but I'd like to use it on the body in places so would prefer a good match.

Colin

[Editor]

If you can take a removeable piece in to your local car paint place, they may be able to match it fairly closely to the (probably faded) colour. The fuel flap might be enough. T-cut it first so you get a good match for what colour the car really is!

[bbcobmike]

I've painted my car in Marina Blue and obtained the paint from Paint Services (Reading). I used 2 pack solvent paint with an airfed mask but I do know that they will make up big aerosols of more friendly paint if you prefer aerolsols. I expect there is a paint supplier to the auto trade closer to you than Reading but I would use that type of operation rather than Halfords.

[cbst3]

Ordered some paint from "Paints4U" on-line in the end and it has turned out to be a pretty good match.

Have been searching for a suitable mastic, and have discounted most types as they are adhesives, and I don't want the wings permanently stuck on. Have found some mastic strips though, designed for caravans, that appear to do the job. Just need to find some in the right size now...

Colin

[Editor]

There's stuff called denso tape used for wrapping underground pipes. Builder's Merchants should have it. that might work OK.

[cbst3]

Thanks Dave, have had a look at that tape and it looks like it would do the trick, but haven't been able to find any locally of the right size.

What I have got is a tube of roof and gutter sealant, which is a butyl rubber substance that is waterproof and hardwearing, and will stay flexible. I have avoided silicon as discussed, and also acrylic as a work colleague was telling me about his use of it in his new bathroom, where it has failed in a very short timescale. I'm going to be taking the wings off again in the medium term anyway so I will be able to test the effectiveness of what I use.

So, if anyone knows a reason why I shouldn't use this stuff, let me know quickly as I hope to get the wings back on this weekend.

Colin

[Editor]

I've seen that stuff on a secondhand wing - looked to be OK.