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I'm pretty sure what you refer to as "plastic" is actually seam sealer. Parts stores either have it or can get it in a caulking tube. It dries waterproof & especially in the gutters it's a good idea to apply a coat & smear it on like caulking a tub surround. The putty you used isn't waterproof & water may enter the seam & or rust will start forming. Seam sealer takes primer & paints just like body filler does.
Yeah, that's the stuff in the caulking tube. I would take it back to bare steel & put a thin layer before paint. The factory used it to seal out water at the points panels overlap. This stuff is everywhere on these cars. If you lived in Arizona I'd say paint it & forget it but I would be safe & replace it.
Once you open the tube that stuff has about a 12 hour shelf life no matter how well you seal the tube. Check all over the wheel well area, under the carpet, around the spare tire well or anyplace else that stuff is cracking, falling off or missing & glob it on. It dries in a day & you will be ready for paint.
Take it to bare anyplace you can. It was designed to seal bare metal. I had to replace some on my 80 & went through 2 tubes. My wagon gutters are like yours & will need done when I get to it.
If all other areas are good then 1 tube should be more than enough. I had areas under the fenders where most of it fell off & 1 tube did all that in a thick coat.
Just a heads up Dianne, I resealed under the fenders and around the cowl when I repaired the rusted out sheet metal behind the fenders on both sides. Globbed that stuff on good! I bought the sealer I used at Boise auto paint supply, where I get all of my auto body and paint supplies.
You wont need it too thick in the gutters. Just a good layer like the caulk around a tub. 1/4" thick at most in the corner formed where the roof skin meets the gutter.
Do I do it on bare metal or do I prime it first? All the primer on the car is in lacquer
I'd apply it to bare metal if possible. That's how Ford did it. After it dries it can be primed, sanded then painted.
Oh good grief, I have been spending SOOO much time on my gutters too! Between grinding them out, new seam sealer, sanding, and spot putty, they are finally getting there. I know they were never perfect from the factory BUT I really want them to be smooth and uniform.....Chris