Vapor Barrier Adhesive

[Steven A.]

I finally decided to take off my door panels on my 66 Coupe and take stock of all the issues that are lurking within (vent window regulators, etc.). First thing I notice is that my "vapor barriers" appear to be something someone cut from a generic roll of clear plastic with crudely punch holes for window cranks, locks etc. which have been stuck in place with some type of caulk.

When I put the doors back together, I would like to do this a little more correctly. Can someone let me know what type of adhesive is recommended for this job? Also, are the plastic barriers sold by Corvette Centeral, Eklers et. al. reasonably decent approximations? Any other words of wisdom on this topic?

Thanks.

[Rich P.]

Re: Vapor Barrier Adhesive

3M strip Calk white (some were black but most were white)

[Dick W.]

Re: Vapor Barrier Adhesive

From experience of others, I would tend to think that C Central would be more accurate than Eckler's

[Steven A.]

Re: Vapor Barrier Adhesive

Thanks. Now if I can just get that one door lock knob off!!

[Mike G.]

Re: Vapor Barrier Adhesive



As an option to 3M strip-caulk, this stuff is cheap, easily found at your local home center, and is much easier to work with. I also prefer the smaller bead size.

If you have to get back into the door later --you'll be glad you used it.

[Mike B.]

Re: Vapor Barrier Adhesive

Hi Steve,

You'd mentioned that your '66s vapor barrier was clear plastic? I'm pretty sure for '66 it's the same as '65. Brown pre-cut craft paper (similar to paper bag material) coated on one side with a black semi-gloss spray. The black side goes against the door. The window crank/lock holes are precut, not punched as you'd mentioned.

This black sprayed on material is the vapor seal and the strip caulk is applied to the door face first in a racetrack pattern near the edge of the entire inner door face as well as areas towards the vent window and main window crank areas.

I think '67 vapor seals were opaque white plastic? Not sure. I think Long Island Corvette sells the right seals. All the vendors show nice photos of their parts now on-line. I'd use LI, Corvette Central or Paragon for starters.

Rich is right about the white strip caulking. My '65s original caulk was white. Tacky, sticky stuff and somewhat messy. I agree with Mike, when I do my '66 doors (vapor seals missing when bought) I'll use the black strip caulking from 3M. It's under the seal anyway and won't be visible. But the vapor seal will. The '66 JG states what they'll be looking for. But, I'm sure you've already checked it out.

Good luck,
Mike '65, '66

[Steven A.]

Re: Vapor Barrier Adhesive

Is there a name for the product shown in the picture?

[Mike G.]

Re: what's it called

Is there a name for the product shown in the picture?

I've seen it called string caulk or cord weatherstrip. The product pictured was from Lowe's, found in the insulation/weatherstrip section.

There's a thicker version with a 3/16" bead that's called "rope caulk", available in white from most hardware stores.

[Steven A.]

Re: Vapor Barrier Adhesive

Thanks, Mike. I check my local Lowe's.