Quote:
Originally Posted by bill-e
I'm in the same boad. It looks to be a PITA as the top is sealed. Have you done it yet? Any tips?
Thanks
Bill
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Hi Bill,
Just finished the job yesterday. First, take a small sample of the replacement bulb seal and make sure it's the right size. Mine was, so no problem there.
Use a box cutter or other type razor cutter to cut away the old sealant from the top of the bulb seal. Remove the keeper screws at either end of the old seal then pull the old seal off. that's the easy part. Now cut away any sealant from the exposed channel so you have easy access for the new bulb seal to slide on. I didn't do this step at first but found the old sealant got in the way and hindered the new seal from sliding on to the track.
Get a helper. I needed a second pair of hands. One person to slide/push the new seal on and the other person to pull the seal along the channel. My slide is 13'. I was only able to do about 6' or so alone. Also, use some lubricant. I sprayed some 303 into the channel track and that made a huge difference in sliding the new seal along the entire 13'. Go slow and be patient. It also helps if it's warm outside. The job is easier if the new bulb seal is warm and more flexible. Once it's all in place, reinstall the keeper screws. Use the RTV sealant Chuck recommended across the top of the entire seal making sure to seal the screw heads at either end. Be sure to clean the area to be sealed with alcohol to ensure the sealant adheres to both the seal and the side of the slide out.
Once I got help the job was pretty easy. Total time with a helper should be less than 2 hours.