Tub Caulk Seam Sealer

[Pitter Patter]

Need some opinions. About 45 days out from starting paint and I’m laying awake at night thinking about whether to re-create the chunky original style seam sealer appearance or to do a better job. Pros of the old way are - originality; and that’s it as far as I can tell… Cons - the chunky stuff can get snagged and break off.

Pic examples taken without permission from LC Nations website (very nice 81 for sale) showing what I’m talking about. Props to Overton for selling nice 40’s and being a great dude. The OG seam sealer on my 81 was very proud as well and it was everywhere. I didn’t take any pics of mine before sandblasting and stripping it all off.

I’m leaning toward a more modern approach to the seam sealer for durability. Anything I’m missing about any of this? Was there a reason the manufacturers didn’t smooth the sealer? Other than to save time?

Thanks everyone

 

[zerotreedelta]

For the new metal, I just smoothed mine.

I did leave the factory sealer that was in good shape in place for the firewall and cowl, though.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I redid some of mine with GE 50 year silicone back about 85, yea its still there. I never figured it or I would still be here.
LC's were built rough and tough back them - functional crude is a good description

Pre-WWII the Nips copied a stolen/recovered Pratt and Whitney radial engine right down to a dent in the oil tank. I vote do a good job as in smooth like they would do it today. Not a purest by any means.

 

[SteveH]

My approach/discussion here: FJ40 side seam - fill with seam sealer or not? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj40-side-seam-fill-with-seam-sealer-or-not.1355402/

Two things: Good seam sealers are 2 part/cured - not just solvent-based crap in a tube. 3M sells both, I think.

And, you can buy some sealers that will create a particular bead profile to match factory seam sealing. I don't know of any, however, that will make an OEM-FJ40 looking bead.

 

[Pitter Patter]

Thanks for linking that thread. I’d love to retain the look of those original seams in the body panels. I’ve done a lot of work to reproduce those seams during my body work so I’d hate to cover them