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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oakley, Michigan
Posts: 735
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Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
I am really having a bad day.
My truck is in the body shop, it has been there for the last several months. It is getting close to being done. I just found out today that the guy who I've been dealing with, no longer works there. Lots of worry and questions in my head right now. So, one of the guys who is now working on it, is "finishing" up working on the drip rail. He said he decided to use "Plastic" (his words) instead of seam seal because (again in his words) "if the old seam sealer cracked and went bad once, it would probably again". So, I said, I thought you were going to use that auto leveling seam sealer. But of course, I've been dealing with some one different all along, and this all happened without any knowledge to me or any conversations. Anyhow, So, I asked him... By Plastic, do you mean body filler? He said yes, and showed me the 2K stuff. He claimed it will hold up and be better than the seam sealer. Whatever. So, my question to all of you that would know more than I do (and maybe my new body man) about this subject.... Will "Plastic" or Body filler work in replacement of auto leveling seam sealer for around the drip line about the doors and windshield? Your help would be greatly appreciated. |
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#2 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
I'm pretty sure body filler will crack when used as a seam sealer. You need something flexible in there.
__________________
1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#3 |
C10 Collector
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 417
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
The body filler will crack. Seam sealer, autoleveling or not is the correct thing to use. Sure it will dry out and crack again but in another 50 years. Maybe longer as todays urethane clear coats are much more resilient to environmental factors than the ename/laquer of the 60's.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: livingston co.mi
Posts: 2,457
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
no body filler no way!! if that body guy is doing something like that I would keep him away from your truck
__________________
California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oakley, Michigan
Posts: 735
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
So, Just so I have some informed information when I go back in there... What can I tell him for as to the reason why it will crack? I did look at it, and he did only put a very thin 'layer' of body filler in there. Also, he said that he's done this before.
Like I said, I'm kinda beside myself right now because I've been dealing with one guy since the beginning. Now its someone new. I went with this place because of the guy who WAS working on it. I hate this sort of thing. I find it hard to argue with someone when I'm not a body guy and he is. I really respect all of the opinions and information that I get on this site. That's why I visit here so often and asked you all. |
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#6 |
C10 Collector
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 417
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
The seams move. The body filler is too stiff and will crack. Make sure they did not fill the cab seam along the back of the roof with filler either because it will crack right out.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United States
Posts: 158
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
I wouldn't argue with him for 5 seconds if it were my money, my truck and I had the slightest inkling that he's not doing something the way I wanted it done. Better to take your truck elsewhere I think.
The seams will move, filler will crack, and allow moisture to enter under the paint/bodywork. We all know what happens next... |
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#8 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
It absolutely moves. An easy vehicle to see when this was done incorrectly (and I see this all the time as I'm IN a Mustang club as well) is 65/66 mustang coupes. There's a seam that runs from the rear window to the trunk. Only about 4" long. I see so many cars with cracked out bondo, it's kind of funny/sad. It's supposed to just have a bead of sealer in there.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 3,016
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
If it were me, I'd go in there and talk with the manager/owner. I would tell them "THIS IS WHAT I WANT", not what you are recommending. 3M self leveling, NOT bondo/filler.
It needs a primed/prepped surface before being applied.
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project: "my happy mess" |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: St.Peters, MO
Posts: 2,226
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
I did this myself, used SEM self leveling. It was pretty easy to work with, 1st time I attempted this. I wouldn't use plastic but that's just me
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oakley, Michigan
Posts: 735
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
I talked to the new (or he says always been) owner of the shop. He said that the guy working on it will 'probably' also put in self leveling seam sealer. The "plastic" was really thin... I guess, I don't really get why he even messed with it. I'll keep on top of the situation and make sure they do it right. Thanks for all you're input
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 3,016
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
If it were me, I'd tell them to remove the bondo/filler. Prime, scuff, then self leveling. That's what we did above and is the correct procedure. Turned out great.
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project: "my happy mess" |
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#13 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
Isn't the problem with body putty that it cracks? Isn't that why OEM uses seam sealer that lastes decades of daily outside use in all climates? Aren't there better products for this application available, now, 40+ years later? Ask him these questions and see what he says. Then let him know you are spending a lot of money here and seam sealer is what you want and that you will specify which one since you'll have to live with it and he doesn't seem to be knowledgeable on the topic (if he gives you any grief)
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Osceola, Ia
Posts: 2,017
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
Seam sealer is made specificaly for this kind of application. Why would anybody even consider anything else? Sounds like this dude is a short cutter to me. I would keep a close eye for sure on the rest of it. And agree with others, i would want that all ground out.
Also seems silly is, wouldnt the filler be more work?? Shaping and such. The seam sealer lays down so easy...
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Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold ![]() 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039 |
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#15 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oakley, Michigan
Posts: 735
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
Quote:
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Osceola, Ia
Posts: 2,017
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
Good luck!!
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Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold ![]() 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039 |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Payson, UT
Posts: 53
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
My body guy uses seam sealer for all kinds of stuff lol. He loves it, I think it is more durable than bondo would be in quite a few situations.
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1974 Plymouth Satellite (driver, project) 1972 GMC 2500 (future project, does drive though) |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 2,336
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
OK we all agree on seam sealer ! Can someone walk thru the proper procedure for applying it ? Do you start in center of windshield and let it flow out toward the drop behind the doors ? I would like to do this before the rain season begins again
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71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
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#19 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: St.Peters, MO
Posts: 2,226
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
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#20 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 3,016
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
Quote:
OP: If it were me, I'd pull it from there and if they refuse, call the cops. If they removed the bodo/filler, you should be able to discern. Bare metal or bare metal covered with primer. The seam is noticeable.
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project: "my happy mess" Last edited by litew8; 10-09-2014 at 01:59 AM. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Union City California
Posts: 61
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
OK so i see all the drip rails with pictures of the horizontal sections with seam sealer but what about the vertical sections how did those turn out with the self leveling seam sealer? I just purchased the 3m 08329 controlled flow seam sealer, that will run about 1 1/2- 2" on a 45deg vertical surface and self leveling hope it works out.
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 3,016
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
Same used in other areas more in my build thread link below
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project: "my happy mess" |
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#23 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tucson
Posts: 2,183
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
Quote:
You need to speak to the manager of that shop. "Plastic" will crack and leak, seam sealer will last, oh, 40 years or so. If the shop owner won't have that hack job cleaned up get your truck out of his shop. |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Grand Island, Ne.
Posts: 1,110
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
I'm with everyone else. I used Sikaflex which is a industrial grade sealer. Its been used in the bus industry for many years and does really well. I'm sure is is very simular to the 3m stuff.
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J. Vess, 6'6", Gearhead, Welder, Fabricator, Nutcase 1955 Chevy Stepside "Dudley" My daily http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=760288 1972 Chevy C10, Project "Chevro~Layed out" Nether Storm Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...23#post6007523 |
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#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Foster Rhode Island
Posts: 1,176
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Re: Drip Rail - Seam Sealer or Body Filler
Also if the guy says he spent hours sanding the filler, tell him you don't want to pay him for the time he spent doing it wrong. Where did your guy you were dealing with go? Any chance of tracking him down and getting him to finish it at his new place of employment?
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