Preping for paint, Seam Sealer? Pics!

[dirtyXplorer]

Hi,

Getting my 78 FJ40 ready for some new paint.

I am curious, on the front clip, are the seams between the fenders/front/sides supposed to be sealed? I have noticed that many FJ40s have gaps there but others are filled in. Mine was but it was poorly done so while sanding the old paint I removed most of the old sealer. It was hard and porous which makes me think it was not seam sealer to begin with.

Personally I am a fan of the finished look (with out gaps) but which is the "proper" way to do it? The red blobs in the pic shows the seams that were filled before I started sanding

 

[45Kevin]

Not exactly sure, but the front bib, the apron and the fenders are all readily removable so they wouldn't get the seam sealer.

I like your stripe.

 

[45Kevin]

Just checked my truck, which I am quite sure is stock.

In your pic only the short seams by the windshield, and the one under the door have seam sealer.

 

[dirtyXplorer]

Just checked my truck, which I am quite sure is stock.

In your pic only the short seams by the windshield, and the one under the door have seam sealer.

Thats what I see the most of...would there be any disadvantages to filling all the seams like mine was before? I wonder why the PO had it like that. Maybe an inexperienced body shop did it?...