Body-Replacing rear quarters and sill

[bcamp3]

Hello,

I am replacing the rear quarters and rear sill with patch panels on my 77 FJ40. I have noticed the originals have some sort of caulking or seam sealer where the exterior panels are welded to the tub (inside the tailgate lip area). Does anybody know what this sealant was and if I need to bother replacing it?

Thanks,
Brad Camp
Dallas, TX

 

[thecrazygreek]

Yes, you should replace it. Very important. Try using a 3M or SEM sealant. Check with your local auto paint house for which one they recommend. There are a few different types.

 

[bcamp3]

Thank you! I'll check it out.

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

crazygeek, can you explain why it should be replaced? i was planning on doing it anyways once mine gets back from sandblasting just curious for the reason

 

[4x4 Station Wagon]

Mostly to reduce moisture from entering between the panels!!! Those cracks and crevices do not dry out as quickly as one would want which in turn encourages rust, traps dirt that holds moisture even longer, and it is very tough to get paint WAY WAY in the cracks to ensure you are sealing it up. But it also helps a ton with cosmetics also. A cruiser is sealed very ugly factory with large beads. How you reinstall it will depend on wiether you are trying for a factory look or just fixing a cruiser...

On the cruiser that is getting blasted you will probably have to pick some of the old out..... normally not all of it gets removed during blasting and you will see that only one side of the sealant is still attached or neither and it is merely wedged in there.

If you wish for a more formal answer you might post this in the paint section.

 

[Texas81FJ40]

I bought some from Cool cruisers, you can view it online. I belive it was called fast n firm.