1995 Explorer Roof Body Seams

I guess the first question I should ask is, is there one?

When I bought this Explorer new, there was big fat bead of white, very stiff/hard "putty" basically filling the most-outside channel on both sides of the roof. Is there a body seam under there? It would appear there is. Did that "putty" come on all new Explorers then? BTW I thought then it was a shame Ford didn't use black "putty" since it looked like poor quality work.

Now 20+ years on, and after NOT being garaged and in the Florida sun for about the last 3-4 years, I've noticed that that "putty" has shrunk and opened up gaps on either side of the channel (between the putty and body). There's not paint (left) where the putty has pulled away from the side of the channel, so there is some rust starting. "Someday" I will have the whole vehicle repainted, but I'm wondering if it would be a good idea file the cracks on either side of the putty with "body caulking" of some sort?

Thanks!

 

[MONMIX]

Remove all the old crap. Use a scraper, chisel, a screwdriver, whatever. Make sure it is real clean. Use masking tape for clean edges where you don't want the seam sealer.
Gob in a bunch of this stuff.....

http://www.amazon.com/3M-08505-Seal...qid=1450042610&sr=1-6&keywords=3m+seam+sealer

Smooth with a spreader. Make sure you press it into the groove real well.
Peal the tape while its still wet.

 

[toypaseo]

[MENTION=9927]MONMIX[/MENTION], should the area be prepped and primed before filling with seam sealer?

 

[MONMIX]

[MENTION=9927]MONMIX[/MENTION], should the area be prepped and primed before filling with seam sealer?

its not necessary as long as the bare metal looks clean. A little scuff pad action and blow it all clean.

 

[slaughterrt]

A little scuff pad action and blow it all clean.

Sounds like a bad date.

 

[MONMIX]

Sounds like a bad date.

Are you in middle school ?

 

[Anime]

http://www.amazon.com/3M-08505-Seal...qid=1450042610&sr=1-6&keywords=3m+seam+sealer

I like 3M products when it comes to body work, but $30 for a 10oz. tube of seam sealer seems high, though maybe that's just Amazon's price.

If it is that much more expensive, is there a reason to use that particular 3M product over other seam sealers? Is there a big quality/longevity difference that you know of? The reviews of some other seam sealers on Amazon are pretty good.

There's AC Delco sealer for $12.49:

http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-10-20..._UL160_SR107,160_&refRID=0D1V4ETH2Z17XWB25NQK

Transtar for $12.95:

http://www.amazon.com/Transtar-4167..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0W50CJSJ0NF1XQK160GK

And Dynatron for $13.53: (Autozone sells it for $14.95)

http://www.amazon.com/Dynatron-550-..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1EVHNZDR3TFS4M543EFW


I haven't called the body shop supply stores or looked around at what's available elsewhere, but am just curious if the other apparently less expensive seam sealers would be "good enough" or if the 3M stuff is that much better and worth it even at twice the price.

 

[MONMIX]

I have demoed some other products. 3M is by far the best I have ever used. If I am going to recommend something I am going to recommend a product I know and I know well. My word have value to me.