I have a 65 wagon and I'm pulling the body apart for a complete clean up. When I removed the front fenders, I noticed that there is a large amount of what looks like plumbers putty in various places (some huge globs of it stuffed in some spots). Although the outer and inner fenders are solid, sometimes the putty trapped water and rust had started.

When putting everything back together, should I use this stuff or is there something better?

thanks.

I am very excited to announce that IPD has this stuff now!
Part number 1049.
Not the real wide stuff, but if you buy enough...
Like Cameron mentioned, the wide strips-in-rolls can be had at trailer, canopy, and motor home supply stores, tell 'em you're fitting a skylight to a motor home.

The putty-stuff that's painted over at the factory (like the area surrounding the battery box) is "seam sealer." Good stuff for panels that are welded onto the body, but not ideal for removeable panels (like front fenders). This is available at better auto parts stores.

The globby, stays-pliable-for-years-stuff that's between the fenders and their mounting surfaces along the side of the hood opening is pretty much what you suspect. Helps keep the elements outside of the engine room. An excellent replacement for this stuff is the "monkey tape" that's used to seal pickup truck canopies against pickup truck beds - available at shops that sell and install pickup truck canopies; comes in nice rolls that make it easy to work with.

If you aren't sure which you're dealing with, try poking a fingernail into the putty - if it's hardened, it's likely seam sealer. If it's softish (like plumber's putty that's several years old and a little harder than you'd expect but still kinda soft), it's "monkey tape."

I don't know why it's called monkey tape.

Best,

Cameron
Portland

Clings like a monkey. May have also been a brand-name like "kleenex."

--
Mike!

Thanks Cameron. Yes it is the mushy grey pliable stuff - monkey tape it is.

I am not exactly sure what you are referring to, and the answer will depend on what the situation is.

If the fender was damaged or dented, then filled with putty you will need to replace the repair material. The original metal should be beaten to within no more than 1/4" of where it should be, then a filler used to smooth things out. Old timers used lead, which is better than the old style (and some of the new) body putty. The better fillers today are fiberglass and polyester based and can be purchased at a automotive paint supply house. You should take a look at www.autobodystore.com for a lot of guidance and for a source for these fillers.

If you are looking at putty that is used in seams, this is a different product--a seam sealer. It is designed to prevent water from leaking between two panels of metal, or to hide a place where two panels meet. Again, the new material is better than the old stuff.

Either way you will need to replace what was there. If done properly you shouldn't see the rust coming back.

Thanks.

Yes, to clarify I was referring to the stuff that is in the seams and is stuffed in other areas in large globs to fill gaps. The removal of body panels has been a learning experience for me - it sounds like "seam sealer" is a product that I could pick up at any auto body supply store. Looks and feels like plumbers putty.

I think the old stuff may have dried and shrunk and/or the undercoating cracked and water got into the seams and gaps. Just want to make sure when I put everyting back with new seam sealer, there is no repeat performance.

I'll have a few more rather novice questions to post soon....thanks.

Waggin

I have just completed doing some work on the door rubbers etc and noticed the same putty material mainly around the door joins. In some places it was even spray painted over. I scapped some of it out and not too sure whether this was the right thing to do as it was obviously there for a reason (probably weather proofing for highway driving). I have no idea what the replacement might be. Builders putty sounds the obvious but there may be an automotive equivilant that does not harden.

Cheers
Bilo