How important is the seam sealer for fenders?

[bb71challenger]

I trial fit one of my fenders today and it seems like its going to smear the seam sealer all over the place when I put the fender on permanent. Is it that important to put it in there? Sucks setting a freshly painted fender in place and trying not to scratch anything 

[426HEMI]

If you dont have the seam sealer it will leak water and you will not be happy with that also.  Sorry about that

[Moparal]

Go to the paint shop and pick up some 1/4 inch seam strips. They don't smear or anything of the sort. Kinda like tar. I did that to mine and it didnt cause any problems at all. Easy to use to. They are about a foot long and come ina box 4x12 long has about 100 of them in it. Not expensive either

[wally426ci]

water runs in from the hood. So it doesnt make a difference as far as sealing anything. I didnt put any on mine, i also forgot the spacers.. 

its still ok.

[fishn4cuda]

Go to the paint shop and pick up some 1/4 inch seam strips. They don't smear or anything of the sort. Kinda like tar. I did that to mine and it didnt cause any problems at all. Easy to use to. They are about a foot long and come ina box 4x12 long has about 100 of them in it. Not expensive either

3M Strip-Calk works nicely. Part No. 08578
I have fit fenders on permanantly with or with out the calk and have never had any issues.

[bb71challenger]

Thanks guys, I have to take it back off anyway to tweak the top inner fender. I am about 1/8" too high where the door bodyline meets the fender bodyline so I might as well seal it to make sure water stays out of the engine bay.

[Alaskan_TA]

Water & dirt too.

If you ever hit a puddle or drive in the rain with no seam sealer in place you will wish you had it for sure.

[Travis72]

Sorry for the dumb question... but where does the seam sealer go on the fenders exactly?  I'm having a hard time picturing that and the only thing I remember from my fenders was dried up gasket like material underneath the fender mounting lip.  Is that what you're talking about?

Travis
72 Cuda

[bb71challenger]

Yes.

[bb71challenger]

Ok next question. A buddy told me he got some sort of industrial sealer at a hardware store. I will spend the extra if I need to but is there something that I can pick up that does not involve a paint store? I will be getting the fender bolts air brushed so it looks like it was all painted together so I need something paint will stick to. Thanks again guys in advance.