Making seam sealer pretty

Factory cars are usually merely spot-welded, which leaves potential gaps everywhere.  Easy button is to seam seal every crack to keep moisture out.

In reply to maschinenbau :

Generally to keep water out of places that are impossible to rust proof otherwise. But in this case, both.

Gtx: thanks! Im still working on my waxer streak. Haven't quite gotten rid of it yet.....

So if a chassis is simple enough and was seam welded everywhere and painted appropriately, theoretically it shouldn't need any seam sealer other than to smooth over nasty fab work? Asking for a friend... 

Theoretically. However, ive never seen a water tight seam weld. Thats why the challenge car had the money spent on the seam sealer, as it definitely has a life after the challenge. 

Not a canoe!  Just me checking in for any other input on this topic.

This week I plan to prime, seam seal and eventually paint a wheel well before suspension starts going back in.  I’m as yet undecided on what sealer to use...

Dusterbd13- did you end up painting over the seam sealer you put on?  How did that go?

I did!

Used a cut down paint brush and a rubber gloved finger to spread, and then painted right over with tractor paint and rustoleum. 

I recently did some seams too. I bought a quart of "Speedokote" on Amazon for like $25 and some cheap rubber spatulas to spread it around. I think it looks pretty good after painting over. The 1 quart should do every seam I want to cover on this car. 

So no special magic involved?  Let it dry completely, make sure it’s clean and then paint it?

I think I can handle that!

Yes. Especially the dry completely. Twice as long as the can called for. And make sure to buy the paintable seam sealer

The caulking-gun style tubes are easier and neater than the tin can style.  I did a lot of the V8 Firefly with the can and brushes, but the tubes are way worth it (though more expensive per volume).