Drip rail seam sealer

[Sonny]

The previous owner painted the car and didn’t address the seam sealer above the windows. I have no plans to repaint the car, so which is best:
A: add sealer over the old and repaint the sealer or
B: carefully score the paint, dig out the old, and reseal completely?
What type/brand sealer should I use?

I have the original paint so I can match it perfectly.

 

[tak419]

If you have paint to match, I personally would remove the original sealer. As you can see you have rust starting under the sealer and not addressing that issue will only lead to more problems if you just try to cover up the cracked sealer. It's amazing how many people don't remove the old sealer when painting a car.

 

[zyzzyx]

Definitely dig out ALL of the sealer, Sand, prime the bare metal with epoxy primer and then use
3M 8362 Urethane seam sealer. It's moisture curing, not a two part. It's the best!

 

[Sonny]

Definitely dig out ALL of the sealer, Sand, prime the bare metal with epoxy primer and then use
3M 8362 Urethane seam sealer. It's moisture curing, not a two part. It's the best!

Thanks. Should I scuff the sealer before final paint?

 

[flypaper]

Thanks. Should I scuff the sealer before final paint?

The info on the seam sealer should tell you.
The stuff I used said to coat over in a few hours or then you have to scuff it.

 

[1967coronet]

Couple things that should help.
run a tape line all the way along the roof skin edge. also run tape over the drip rail trim.
Use a razor blade to cut/score right at the tape edge/old seam sealer edge.
You need to do this. It will keep the paint on your roof skin. If you do not you will pop paint loose in spots your not wanting to.
Clean out rails and prep. Pull the tape.
run new tape on the roof side but this time hold aprox 1/16 off the paint edge { to make a new finish edge } with your new sealer.

You can tool the new seam sealer with a finger tip dipped in thinner for a nice smooth finish. Pulling tape as you go, keep a few clean rags to clean excess off your finger.
careful of dripping thinner also.
Let it dry a couple days, re tape and mask off and do your paint work on that new seam sealer.