You aren't going to reuse those old bolts are you???  For all the trouble and expense you have gone to so far, get the stainless steel kits and replace all the hardware on top. GW has them for the top hinges, miscellaneous top bolts, luggage rack screws and tie-downs, top latch bolts, and skylight bolts (and SS hinges too).  What's another $100 or so!?

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Marc Perdue
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2014 11:22 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Sealant on poptop bolts?

Hi all,

I'm busy putting all the parts back on my van and I'm focusing on
getting it sealed up before any rains come. When they took the poptop
off to paint it, the bolts that go through the top and into the hinge
used to lift it were taken out. They appear to have had some kind of
white gunk on them to seal them and prevent leakage. Any ideas what
that might be or what I should use in its place? After the recent
conversations about silicone, I'm hesitant to use silicone caulk on
it.

Thanks!
Marc Perdue