'70 E-body. Shop about to install fenders. They were planning on doing it "dry". I was wondering if the factory put any sort of sealant, caulking, or "dumdum" etc., between the fender and the rail as a water sealant or noise dampener? Seems like there ought to be something there.

Ken

yes, seam sealer was used.

Seam Sealer is not a good choice.It will act as a glue,and make removing the fender extrememly difficult.DumDum would be a better choice as it will seal out the water and mud,but not bond the panels.You could use a butyl in a caulking tube from the hardware store too,as it will flow and never totally hardens.

Why did the factory do this? Does water leak here or something? Was it an issue with rust between the panels?

Tav

Imagine driving in a rainstorm... ('ya know, like when these cars were actually driven )...
I'd think water & debris thrown around in the fender from the tires would drive through the gap and have it's way with wiring, electrical connections, etc.
And yes, rust too, from schmuck building up under the flange.
Anti-squeak possibly too?

Rick

Thanks for the responses. Will make sure we put something resiliant under the fenders.
Rick, the "quasimoline" came out just fine.

Ken

This is as it pertains to a B-Body but I assume it applies to an E-Body as well? The factory used a black strip caulking where the outer fender meets the inner fender. I use 3M strip caulk and it worked fine. It does not seem that the fenders were sealed at the rocker. This area was a drainage area. The top of the end of the rockers in front of the side panel were covered heavily with seam sealer. I guess they were trying to divert the water from sitting on top of the flat area in that location?