Once the flange was completed it was time to rivet it onto the forward top skin. Since it is important to have a watertight seal for these panels I used Proseal between the flange and skin, then riveted the flange in place. I also wanted some kind of watertight gasket under the access panels and used an idea I got from Dan Checkoway. This method uses Proseal as a fitted gasket. I first used vinyl tape on the bottom surface of the access panels, and coated the tape with a non stick cooking spray (to act as a release agent). Then I applied a generous coating of Proseal to the flange and screwed the panel in place. This should leave a coating of Proseal between the two surfaces, which when dry will act as a watertight gasket.
Flange riveted in place with Proseal as a sealant.
A generous amount of Proseal on the flange to act as a gasket.
