question for the '32 5W experts

I'm in the process of redoing the body on my coupe and I'm wondering what the best method of attaching the rear tail pan is? It looks like it was just bolted in originally. I'm not sure if the factory leaded the seam or not. When I built the car 40 years ago it was just bolted in and seam sealed but that didn't hold up due to body flex. If the factory didn't lead the seam, how are you supposed to keep the water out?

 

Mine's bolted, with no sealer.

 

same as alfin32

 

X3 on bolts - no sealer.


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X4 no sealer. Old cars leak some water.

 

X5,,bolted,,no sealer. HRP

 

x6 bolts drill little hole for water drain safeside

 

X7 no sealer just bolts

 

Any thoughts on welding the seam solid? Good? Bad? The top filler between the roof and trunk opening looks like it was welded and leaded originally where it meets the quarter panels..

 

If you need to seal it, but a bead of sealant down in where the bolt holes are, not out on the surface. Then it won't show and if it flexes and cracks the paint it won't look bad.