Factory seam sealer??

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Roadart

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What did the factory use for seam sealing? on a 72 dart. Was sanding roof to epoxy seal for paint,when i got to the side near 1/4 panel a lot of body filler appeared. Dug it all out and found the seam(top to 1/4 panel) Guessing p/o filled it in .
 
Body filler and / or lead was normally used at the C pillar roof seam.

Seam sealer for internal areas, trunk floor, firewall, floor boards, etc.
 
Exterior panels attach areas should have been leaded. As Alaskan said internals is where seam sealer was used.
 
The quarter panel seam was leaded up until around 71 then they switched to body filler. The leaded ones do not have the rot problem the later ones do. For the other seam sealer in the car they used at least three different types. There was the "foamy" type used around the cowl seams and under the top edge of the fender. They had one type that was similar to what is typically available now. Third was a thick rubber/tar type used a lot in the trunk area and floor pans.
 
What did the factory use for seam sealing? on a 72 dart. Was sanding roof to epoxy seal for paint,when i got to the side near 1/4 panel a lot of body filler appeared. Dug it all out and found the seam(top to 1/4 panel) Guessing p/o filled it in .

Nope. That was very likely factory body filler. They all had it there.
 
When you replace it use a waterproof filler like metal-2-metal or kitty hair. Regular body filler absorbs moisture, just like the stuff the factory used.
 
I just replaced my factory roof skin on my 74 duster and it was lead filled at c and a pillar along with lead at taillight panel ends
 
The factory used lead for cars with painted tops, and body filler for vinyl top cars. The best thing to do when you rework it, is to sandblast the seam where the top and quarter meet, and then coat it with GOOD epoxy primer like PPG DP90 or SPI epoxy primer. Then use the Tiger Hair or 3M stuff listed above to smooth the seam. A good base coat of either one of those 2 is fine, and then do your finish work with good body filler like Evercoat Rage Gold.
 
Thanks to all, had a feeling body filler might have been factory. Will fill with the right stuff thanks .
 
I'm "old school", I prefer lead whenever and wherever possible. Many autobody suppliers still sell it. I find using lead solder paddles to be relaxing.
 
I'm "old school", I prefer lead whenever and wherever possible. Many autobody suppliers still sell it. I find using lead solder paddles to be relaxing.
Somthing i want to learn!!! Think ill have the chance on the 69 Dart I just dragged home!!
 
Somthing i want to learn!!! Think ill have the chance on the 69 Dart I just dragged home!!
You will find that leading is so easy once you master the technique. The finished product is rewarding. There are many videos out there, Eastwood has a blog on the subject.
 
Mine looks like the day it was installed. I used Ralley Vinyl Top Dressing since it was new, treated once a year until I ran out of the stuff. I believe that what saved it and no rust bubbles to be found. I wish I had purchased several spare cans.
Duster 6.jpg
 
You have to blame the "Naugahyde" popularity in the 60's & 70's. Designers went crazy with the product and apparently Detroit picked up on it!

Too bad there became a shortage of an animal called a "Nauga." The rest is history.
 
Agreed!!! And since it looks like Ill be replacing the R quarter, the opportunity has presented itself!! Ive watched some of the Eastwood videos and the one old school fellow made it look easy... Can't wait for spring to dive in!!
 
Have some fun and good luck too! You'll never use any filler again. And if you don't like the results, just melt it out and start over, it's so easy and forgiving. Just watch your heat!
My 76 year old body man is a master craftsman when it comes to leading.
 
Agreed!!! And since it looks like Ill be replacing the R quarter, the opportunity has presented itself!! Ive watched some of the Eastwood videos and the one old school fellow made it look easy... Can't wait for spring to dive in!!
How did you make out with your project?
 
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