seam sealer question

[zimm]

Prepping my truck for paint, have a quick question re seam sealer on the the rocker panel seams- Do the seams get sealed on the rocker panels? It looks like maybe the rear seam (closest to the rear tire) gets seam sealer and the front does not? I replaced one of the rockers, but neither have sealer on the front seam or rear, but looking at pics of other rigs it looks like some have sealer at least on the rear seam? THANKS

 

[JAFO]

I think standard from the factory is to seam seal the rear seam, leave the front seam open as the fender fits up to the front of the rocker with a little gap between fender and rocker. If you have similar as me, when you go to move the body onto the frame (if yours is off the frame) that darn rear rocker seam is going to separate some and you'll need to doctor it after the body is back on the frame and bolted in place.

 

[englewoodcowboy]

I am seam sealing all rocker gaps that are visible when the door is open. Your rocker has drains in it as well as the bottom of the door post is wide open. The biggest thing you have to be concerned with is making sure you do not close an area so moisture cannot escape. I would also recommend getting some inside frame coating like what eastwood sells in a can with a long tube and nozzle on the end and soak the cavities well so they are coated inside and out.

 

[Steve83]

Don't seal the fender to the body tub; seal the TOP of any cavity so dirt & water can't fall IN, but leave the bottom open/vented so they can fall OUT.

 

[pcf_mark]

If you want to try something different I weld the rear seam and eliminated it. Looks cleaner but that was my personal preference I also filled the side marker lights / reflectors too.

As someone noted seam sealer from the top down - think about keeping water from getting in but not from the bottom up that would keep it from getting out.

 

[zimm]

Thanks for the advice!