Filler in panel gaps? (1 Viewer)

[Desk Jockey]

Merry Christmas all!
I am in the process of rebuilding my 1979 ‘40, and am getting ready to start welding/repairing the tub and body parts. Since having the original paint blasted off, I have found this tan bead of filler between panels and joints all over the tub. It’s semi-flexible but pretty crusty being 45 years old…
What is this stuff and what is its purpose?
Thanks in advance for any insights.

 

[CondeCruiser]

Seam sealer.

 

[diesellibrarian]

Yes, seam sealer. You can buy it in caulking-type tubes at autobody supply stores. You'll want to remove the old stuff and re-apply it to all seams before you go to repaint your tub. It's really messy stuff, so lay down a strip of masking tape on either side of the seam you're re-sealing. Smooth with a gloved finger, remove tape. Once dry it can be painted.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Yes, seam sealer. You can buy it in caulking-type tubes at autobody supply stores. You'll want to remove the old stuff and re-apply it to all seams before you go to repaint your tub. It's really messy stuff, so lay down a strip of masking tape on either side of the seam you're re-sealing. Smooth with a gloved finger, remove tape. Once dry it can be painted.

Fantastic. Many thanks.

 

[Pitter Patter]

Jealous of the great condition of that tub

 

[Desk Jockey]

Thanks fellas. Helpful!

 

[DKM]

Merry Christmas all!
I am in the process of rebuilding my 1979 ‘40, and am getting ready to start welding/repairing the tub and body parts. Since having the original paint blasted off, I have found this tan bead of filler between panels and joints all over the tub. It’s semi-flexible but pretty crusty being 45 years old…
What is this stuff and what is its purpose?
Thanks in advance for any insights.

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Sorry, don't mean to hijack the topic, but can you tell us a bit about your blasting process? What media did you use (sand, walnut shell, etc.)? Any lessons learned, tips, etc.? It looks fantastic. I just bought a 74 tub to put on my 78, so I was hoping to blast it in the next few weeks.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Sorry, don't mean to hijack the topic, but can you tell us a bit about your blasting process? What media did you use (sand, walnut shell, etc.)? Any lessons learned, tips, etc.? It looks fantastic. I just bought a 74 tub to put on my 78, so I was hoping to blast it in the next few weeks.

No sweat. For tub and body panels I used a company that uses a “media blasting” which uses plastic granules, which keeps warpage to a minimum. Here’s a picture of the stuff.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Along about 1983 I used some 50 year (I think) GE clear silicon applied to the outside of cowl seam below the windshield. Its still there, tho its looking weak. It has always been out in the weather. It was applied after my neighbor painted the rig inside and out with flat tan. Took 3 gallons for 7 coats outside 5 on the inside. Flat paint at the time had to be shot as is - not thinned. I had to pay $50 extra for the 3rd gallon, he bought the second, because he though one gallon would do the job. It held up really good considering.

 

[wimberosa]

I'm almost ready to do paint prep on my 1979 and plan on slightly different order of seam sealer application than previously mentioned. As noted...you need to remove all the old seam sealer. Then I will epoxy prime everything....then seam seal it. My particular opinion is that the 1979 DID NOT get enough seams sealed. There are tons of seams that toyota seemed to ignore....but water and rust did not ignore. The epoxy primer is the primary thing to seal it up. The seam sealer followup covers big gaps and then the top coat will go on over the seam sealer.

You're living a dream with that 1979 tub. Its in great shape compared to mine.

 

[SNLC]

I'm almost ready to do paint prep on my 1979 and plan on slightly different order of seam sealer application than previously mentioned. As noted...you need to remove all the old seam sealer. Then I will epoxy prime everything....then seam seal it. My particular opinion is that the 1979 DID NOT get enough seams sealed. There are tons of seams that toyota seemed to ignore....but water and rust did not ignore. The epoxy primer is the primary thing to seal it up. The seam sealer followup covers big gaps and then the top coat will go on over the seam sealer.

You're living a dream with that 1979 tub. Its in great shape compared to mine.

Also apply the seam sealer before your epoxy’s flash time. It will literally chemically bond with the primer.

Seam sealer also has a flash time, need to scuff it if top coating outside that flash time window.

Cheers