Well, if it's made for RVs, it's probably adequate..
Fiberglass, especially chopper matt layups like Westie tops will degrade
with water absorption over time. Good silicone filling all holes, all the
way thru, that is smart for boats If you anticipate removing the fasteners
at a future time, otherwise we use a permanent polysulfide marine adhesive
for everything that penetrates...
   Our Vanagons are RVs.. 😋

On Dec 30, 2016 5:57 PM, "Alistair Bell" <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:

I honestly don't think , our I should say I haven't found, that silicone
caulk works as well or is as easy to use as dum dum for this use. Apart
from being less work to apply, the mastic is tolerant of repositioning of
the fasteners at any time.

Alistair

> On Dec 30, 2016, at 5:48 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: "Don Hanson" <dhanson928@gmail.com>
> Date: Dec 30, 2016 5:47 PM
> Subject: Re: instilling pop top hinges
> To: "Alistair Bell" <albell@shaw.ca>
> Cc: "vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM" <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
>
> silicone the whole bolt, just spread some silicone out about 1/8" deep, on
> a scrap, then roll the length of the thresds through the silicone.  Push
> the bolt through the hole and cinch it up... Standard fiberglass
> boatbuilding proceedure.  Let the extra dry around the hole and bolt heads
> and the nut, then peel it off the gelcoat or paint...or clean up with a
wet
> cloth as you install, but that's normally a pain and necessary only on a
> porous surface.
>
>> On Dec 30, 2016 5:28 PM, "Alistair Bell" <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
>>
>> I prefer mastic sealer. Sometimes called dum-dum. You get a roll of it
for
>> about 10 bucks at a rv supply store.
>>
>> It's easier to use than silicone, and I think seals better over time.
>>
>> Alistair
>>
>>> On Dec 30, 2016, at 4:03 PM, Edward V Barger <edvbarger@MAC.COM> wrote:
>>>
>>> Putting the 87 back together
>>>
>>> Thinking I should put silicone sealer on the inside of the heads of the
>> carnage bolts that secure the hinges to the pop top to prevent water
>> seeping in
>>> Is this standard practice is there a better way ?
>>>
>>> ed
>>>
>>>
>>> Edward V Barger
>>> edvbarger@mac.com
>>> 310 922 6251
>>