MCI 102 DL3 Gutters Won't Come Loose

[mqbus767]

Hi Bus Nuts,

I've removed 4 windows on the bus in preparation for skinning, but I ran into a bit of an issue. The gutters are screwed through the roof panels and into the body, so I thought that removing them would be a matter of simply removing the screws and prying the gutter from the panels. However, the adhesive that MCI used must be something more than a simple sealer. The force required to separate the gutter from the roof panel is excessive and is beginning to bend the gutter. Has anyone else had any experience like this?

Honestly, I don't see how I'll be able to remove them and keep their shape. Alternatives would be to slide the new sheet under the gutter and, rather than tucking it under the roof panel as originally planned, simply butt it up to the roof panel. This is less than optimal, but I'm not sure what else to do. I also noticed that the roof panels are riveted every so often, so that would also have to be addressed.

Any words of wisdom?

[buswarrior]

Use a wire like removing a car windshield?

Call MCI and ask tech support if they know which adhesive was used?

Sounds like good stuff, and you'd like to use it again?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[mqbus767]

Lol BW, yes. 18 years and this stuff is still bonding like it just came off the line. The wire idea is a good one. Fish it through from the bottom, loop it around, and pull it down the length of the bus. I'll let you know if that works.

[luvrbus]

MCI used 3M 5200 marine grade adhesive you may need a little heat for the wire to cut it,they make a special heated blade to remove the 3M 5200

[sledhead]

you could try a oscillating tool with the right blade like this

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-4-Amp-Corded-JobMax-Multi-Tool-with-Tool-Free-Head-R28602/206824272

dave

[chessie4905]

Or this one, which is their better one. I've used it a lot and it is a better tool to have than sliced bread. I always thought they were a stupid idea when they first came out and, I think we're $200. A few years later, I bought on from HF on sale figuring, what the heck, I'll give one a try. Wow, how'd I ever get along without one. Tip, let the tool do the work, don't apply extreme pressure on any of them. Even if it doesn't help with your gutters, you'll find many uses for it. Buy the hardened bi-metal blades when on sale, make sure blade is seated properly on pins and SECURELY tightened with the included Allen wrench. Break or wear those pins out and any brand of those tools are then worthless.
https://www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-oscillating-multi-tool-63111.html

[mqbus767]

Just wanted to close out this discussion. I've decided to butt the skins up to the roof panels. I'll be using an adhesive/sealer to weatherproof the seam. (Loctite Power Grab, Sikaflex 252, or 3M 5200). Thanks again for all the advice and feedback.