Grille mounting and question about seam sealer

[squidtone]

Hey guys,
I am expending hours on rebuilding my front fenders and getting them to play nicely with fitting between the grille and body tub.
Question 1) How was the grille was mounted to the frame: Were there rubber spacers/insulators between the grille and frame brackets?� It seems like there should be (?) since the body tub uses rubber insulators....

Secondly, did Willys use any kind of seam sealer in any areas of the body tub? It seems like there would be lots of water leakage in the wheel well tubs as well as the floor riser...especially from water kicked up by the tires. But I saw no evidence of sealer in any of the lapped sheet metal joints when I took my tub apart. Any observations from owners of better condition Jeeps?
Thanks.
Dave

[terryb]

 I don't know if Willys used seam sealer, but before I painted my new tub I used it every where I could , just to prevent any problems down the road.

[1955CJ-5]

I too used seam sealer on the tub. Just about everywhere I could.

I have a distinct aversion to bolting metal against metal especially on a newly painted tub.

I used these washers everywhere, seat mounts, exterior mirror and seat belt hard points.

http://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/leather-washers-1-diameter-x-1-8-thick-with-3-8-hole-10-pack.html

In this picture I'm sure there is one under each side of the grill...

[squidtone]

Thanks guys. My Jeep did not have its tub off in its lifetime before I got it, but the grille was off probably for it's several engine changes, so it was a mixed bag of broken and missing fasteners and no insulators. I think I will put some sort of rubber insulator between the grille and frame.
I did notice rubber welting between the rear part of the fenders and tub though.
I like the leather washer idea too.
I might buy a chunk of conveyor belt rubber for the tub insulators. Amazon sells it (sheesh).
Whew. I thought I was making progress, but man, putting this back together is going to be a BIG job.

[1955CJ-5]

There is some stuff called "anti-squeak" it is a thin woven strap that is treated with something.

I used it in places like where the fender meets the tub and underneath the hood latches and many other places.

It seems to me they sell it in small rolls but this is what i found...this has pre-cut pieces. I think i probably got two sets so i had extra for other places..

https://www.vintagejeeps.com/p-310-anti-squeak-set-for-front-fenders-and-splash-aprons-anti-sq-fend-a2662-k-a2662-a3158.aspx

[LeeC]

For what it's worth, after being in the building business for 45 years I've learned that sometimes sealer can hold in water that would run right out if it wasn't there and won't leather washers hold moisture? Just questions.