Water leak below windshield at cowl joint

[texfj40]

The leak comes from where the cowl meets the vertical windshield panel (just to rear of hood); it seems the metal to metal joint had a welt which is crumbling. What type of sealant do you recommend and how to apply so it looks correct? How would you recommend removing the old welt without destroying the paint? '71 FJ40. Thanks in advance!

 

[FF LC FREAK]

It is seam sealer that is degrading. That is pretty common after 30 years or so. I would use 3M or SEM seam sealer to fix it. However, unless you use clear, you will need to repaint. Your choice, really.

 

[Roboosfj40s]

I had the same situation on mine but could not find seam sealer around here so I used windshield sealer that supposidly last 30 years haa haa. It is black and paintable. An Asian product. I also use a rust converter in the seam just in case. I let one cure a couple of days then applied and let the sealer cure. Turned good a solid as far as I can tell.

 

[Yertle]

I ended up using seam sealer from Napa (no 3M readily available).

- Carefully removed the old sealer and cleaned the seam
- Masked the seam and coated in rust converter
- Applied the sealer with a caulk gun
- Primed the sealer
- Painted the sealer

Looks good, other than I could not be worse with a caulk gun, and did not repaint the cowl.

 

[texfj40]

I found it fellas, thanks for your kind assistance! No ship charge, no tax:
Seam Sealer - Auto body, Automotive Seam Sealer