Seam sealer in Gutter track

I seem to have a large amount of seam sealer,and it's cracked.Can it be "Smoothed Out" like with a heat paddle or another type of tool to smooth it...And can it be fixed without a complete re-paint,or can it just be removed and alittle touch-up????ANY HELP IS ALWAYS APPRE.

Russ

Heat won't help, it's not going to flow out. The cracks are caused by shrinkage. You have 3 choices.
#1. Live with it.
#2. Apply new sealer over the old to fill in cracks. Wipe just enough to fill cracking and wipe clean with a solvent, leaving new sealer behind only in the cracks.
#3. Remove all of old sealer and start over.

Choice #2 (if done very carefully) requires at least minimal painting/blending of the drip rail areas.
Choice #2 will disturb a large area and require repainting of the entire roof and possibly the quarter panels.

Steve

www.clarkclassic.com

I probably know the answer here but is there anyone that might make a colored seam sealer so I could fill it in just for now and then re-do it later....Thanks All :weld :

I'm gonna assume you have a car with decent paint, are not ready/budgeted to do a repaint.

I've found that old, dry seam sealer in the roof gutter strips out very easily with a 2" wire brush in a drill.

You'll not want it to dig in and run across your roof, though. I'd put a layer of blue painter tape down, then 2-3 layers of regular masking tape and then some duct tape. Make it 3-4" wide, too. Don't do it in the sun, you want to minimize the tape from pulling any paint off if your paint is getting thin.

You might need to remove any stainless trim on the gutter, too. A small screwdriver or icepick can get the areas in the corners that the wheel can't get to.

I'd then put a thick coat of Rustoleum-type paint in there (hopefully you can find a suitable color) and then keep an eye on it.

I did this very thing to a 65 Fury about 15 years ago. It sat outside for about 5 years under a tarp, and to this day there are no visible issues from having paint in the gutter ILO seam sealer.

Here's another option. 3M makes a clear sealer. It comes in a small squeeze tube (about the size if a toothpaste container) and has a small opening in the tip. It's very fluid and works well over painted areas since it dries transparent. I use it sometimes to fix leaks in trunk jambs when the factory sealer isn't doing the job.
If you can't find it let know and get the part number for you.

For a no paint solution, maybe try some 3M trim and emblem adhesive. It should hold the loose stuff in place and seal any moisture out.
Since it is clear no paint work..

Is the 3M sealer something I can but at a local parts store??
And I thought the 3M trim adhesive was a green/yellow product(Greg is that what your talking about?)And Thanks all for your input and I'm just searching for options...

Trim adhesive (yellow or black( is not the same as emblem adhesive. Neither is the same as the clear sealer I mentioned. I will get a # for the clear sealer I mentioned. It should be available through your local automotive paint and body supply company.

THANKS STEVE FOR THE #....then I'll make an attempt.....

You could apply a 3M heavy duty drip chek sealer #08531. It's a paintable Gray caulk in a squeeze tube. You could carefully work it in with your finger and then paint a few coats over it carefully with an artists brush? It kind of shrinks into the cracks.

3M trim adhesive is clear and basically weatherproof super glue..

The clear sealer may work better as it would be easier to install.
And as Roadrunner suggested, using the proper 3m product dripcheck and touch up with a small brush could be another good solution..

I looked at the 3M site and I believe this is the product I have linked below.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en...WglZR84HR8BGZbl

Steve

Don't feel like you have to find an autobody supply house, check here:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Brand/3M/?keyword=3m

I'm always tickled that for a mere $10 handling fee Summit will get almost anything to my house within mere days. If I ever need a kidney or something, I'll check there first!

THANKS GUYS YOU'VE HELP ME OUT OF A JAM "AGAIN".......THANK YOU....