Chrome wing beading sealing

[mach2andy]

Is it normal for some sort of sealing medium to be put into the gap between the wing and the bonnet centre section before the bonnet beading is fitted? To try to discourage too much moisture ingress into this gap. Perhaps bedding the beading in a small amount of windshield sealant - the type that does not set. Or some waxolyl? But I'm guessing that the waxoyl will migrate once the engine bay heats up?
Any thoughts?
ATB
Andy

[johnetype]

If you mean by "normal" what did Jaguar do as the cars left the factory then the answer is nothing.

However it is sensible to do something as this is one of the more rust prone areas of the car. Using a sealant like windscreen sealant could trap moisture in and do more harm than good.

Most restorations I've seen apply Waxoyl or similar before fitting the chrome trim. The warmth from the engine will help ensure it runs into the gaps and to combat the fact that it'll melt away in some areas of high heat I'd use a thicker product like Dinotrol and reapply it annually.

[288gto]

Dinitrol do an excellent heat resistant one called Coroheat 4010. I've used it wherever heat might be a problem like inside the bulkhead where the heater pipes run.


Simon

[christopher storey]

I really don't like the idea of sealant in this area at all. The rot which is commonly seen is probably the result of wings being reassembled to the centre section without the spacing washers C10193 which are required . With the washers present, dampness can escape downwards and flush out any dirt . Without the washers, both moisture and dirt from the wheels can become trapped, and rather the same applies if you put sticky stuff in the gap

[tim wood]

My previous 2+2 had sealant applied by the previous owner. Never caused any issues during the 20 years I owned it. It was very neatly done with a very small fillet of sealant visible.
Must say though I didn’t really like the look and thought it detracted from the crisp lines of the chrome strip.

[288gto]

I really don't like the idea of sealant ..............and rather the same applies if you put sticky stuff in the gap

An interesting observation Chris, I wonder what restorers like Angus, Hutsons, E type UK etc do? I have to say I'm in two minds whether to do mine.
As regards the washers, the ones I got from Barratts were ever so slightly thinner than the originals so I got the old ones plated.
When I originally dry assembled the bonnet you could see the gap was going to be too small with the aftermarket washers. This was a while ago and perhaps Barratts have addressed this dimension issue by now.

Simon

[1954Etype]

We never seal them as the flanges are painted plus the reason Christopher stated. They need to 'breathe'. IIRC. when they were new, there was little of no paint in between these flanges.

[politeperson]

Yes, nothing rusts when it breathes!

[abowie]

I really don't like the idea of sealant in this area at all.

I agree. We paint the bonnets in pieces but never put any sealant in here. The water should be able to run out the bottom of the gap.