Waterproofing a VEC2 ? it finally happened to me

[plumcrazy]

after somewhere around 50-60 times washing my engine it wouldn't start for me after. I assumed it was the VEC2 and after talking to chuck tator and him agreeing i had to take it apart and dry it out.

now i wanna waterproof it. anyone using silicone around the edges or maybe vaseline to keep water out. then im thinking tape across the slot.

i know a few guys put the vec into a tuperware container but what else is there.

Pedro has his in a CD holder which looked pretty good.

any ideas?

 

[SYNFULL]

I'm thinking some kind of case to transport a computer harddrive. It should be the right size and would offer the water and shock protection and should look good too-

Gary

 

[twinturbo3150]

you could get the stuff (dont know what its called, but used in automotive parts and atv parts all the time. For example: My ducati 916's computer if you open it up all the componets are totally encased in a liquid gell, and it's also totally hard and if you hold a flashlight to it you can barely see the electronics inside. It has to be a nonconductive gell of course. Just a thought

 

[CitySnake]

Plum:

Why not just cover it when you wash the car? (simplistic mind)

 

[plumcrazy]

city, I'm lazy...

that's kinda what I'm thinking. there must be a gel of some type for this.

 

[trainville]

I just installed mine and the literature recommends putting the Vec 2 in a ziplock baggy when washing car. That's why it is VELCROED to the car......for easy removal during wash jobs.

Anyone had trouble with the Vec 2 getting wet while driving in wet conditions? Now that would make me want to waterproof it!

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

Why not just cover it when you wash the car? (simplistic mind)

I am new to the VEC2 world, but was thinking the same. Upside down tupperware container cut out for the wiring and a couple pieces of 33+ tape around the connector holes. In my racket, they make a product called duct seal which could be used multiple times. It's like putty. It could go around the connectors instead of the tape. I guess a guy could even have a small strip of Velcro around the lip of the container to help seal it to the VEC mounting area.

Something like Saran Wrap could even do the trick and eliminate the need for a box type container at all. You would neve have direct spray on it anyway.

I actually have a little more concern about rain getting in there. Anybody have any experience in heavy rain and that area getting wet? I have the heavy rain experience, but never paid attention to that particular area because there was no cause for concern before the VEC2

Steve

 

[Yellow32]

Re: Liquid Electrical Tape to the rescue

I used Liquid Electrical Tape (got it at Home Depot),

works great! seals it tight!

http://www.starbrite.com/sproductdetail.cfm?ID=1088

Comes in a variety of colors too.

-J

 

[Jerome Sparich]

Dielectric grease

 

[plumcrazy]

Dielectric grease....THAT was the name i was trying to think of.

thanx jerome.

 

[Jerome Sparich]

Dielectric grease....THAT was the name i was trying to think of.

thanx jerome.

Any time Phil

 

[Mccarlin]

Good info here! Saving this post

 

[Jack B]

I went to a shop that does marine convertible tops and had them make a form fitting cover (raincoat) out of Sumbrella fabric. It is five sided and is velcroed into place. When you change cards you merely have to lift one side. you can also have them make it in any color.

 

[plumcrazy]

jack, as always YOU have a good solution. got any pics of it?

 

[KWIK96]

Those things are only good to 50 Metres

 

[CitySnake]

I went to a shop that does marine convertible tops and had them make a form fitting cover (raincoat) out of Sumbrella fabric. It is five sided and is velcroed into place. When you change cards you merely have to lift one side. you can also have them make it in any color.

Is it ribbed?

 

[Got Venom]

I made the mistake of adding the second hole in my hood to match the speaker grill hole on the passenger side, for heat to escape, then did the Sean Roe S/C months later, and the Vec2 is right under the hole. So if I drive in the rain, I am screwed. I put duct tape all over it when I washed it last, but what about heat build up when driving, if you have it all snugged up in some tight box. We should ask Sean if this will affect the performance of it or not????

 

[Neil - UK]

a custom longer loom off Sean and move it into the cockpit, but you will need to drill a big hole to get the cables through

 

[davem]

I have had customers that have asked me to help with this. We put the Vec into a black plastic waterproof electronic enclosure with a U cut in the lip with a grommet for the wires to go through. Velcro the vec into the enclosure, screw on the lid and velcro the box to the Viper.

These can be found at any electronics supplier or online at places like http://www.digikey.com or http://www.hammondmfg.com/scpgPL.htm

We have a customer who has had this setup on his car for 3 years, and it still works great, and no more worries.

-DAve.

 

[Got Venom]

Dave,

That Hammond site looked great. But what about heat? If you put the Vec in one of those boxes without a fan or breathing, is it o.k.? I will order one tonight if heat is not an issue. Thanks

 

[davem]

We have not had any problems, the Vec runs pretty cool. But we are in New England where it's rare to be over 80F outside. Maybe check with Roe. The car we installed it on has been 3 years without a problem.

good luck!
-Dave.