FJ40 side seam - fill with seam sealer or not? (1 Viewer)

[SteveH]

See photo - I'm having my FJ40 repainted (I swiped this pix from the 'net) and as we all know, every FJ40's paint cracks at the side seam. Fenders and side panels are original, not replaced.

I am discussing with the paint guy whether to just leave this side seam un-filled with seam sealer. He will shoot paint into this open seam, and later I will sluice some oil and fluid film into the slot, and wipe off the excess. At this point, my FJ40 is a garage queen and won't see road salt and water getting into the seam. So, rust is not an issue.

I just don't want the paint to crack on top of the seam sealer at this seam, as it virtually always does.

He and I decided that after he paints the truck, we'll look at the seam and decide if the 'open seam' looks hideous or not. He will use a 2-part (cured) quality seam sealer, if needed.

What do you all think? Am I nuts?

Thanks - Steve

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Factory left seam exposed, not covered in bondo as some do

 

[SteveH]

Spy photos - It's in primer at the shop. I will have them fill the front seam, but leave the side seam open and just paint it.

 

[SteveH]

Turned out great with no seam sealer applied from the outside. Had to apply some on inside of the driver's side, because you could see light through the seam.

 

[dmaddox]

Love the idea of applying some two-part sealer from the INSIDE, leaving the outside exposed. Looks "pro". Again, details I wish I would have done on my resto. But, as you said, with garage queens, the worry is not the same, but more of a visual appeal.