Rear wheel arch finish

[Gnickgsmith]

Hi all,
I'm still at the 'welding stage' with my body shell, and having listed all the items that need finishing off I am pondering the filler in the rear wheel arches - behind the wheel in the 90 degree angle ( hard to describe...) essentially the rim of the wing.
There's a firmish filler that seems to be there to stop grit and mud sitting in what is a rust trap at the lower part of the wing . However it also could be simply filler to form the lip. I've checked a friends '63 FHC and his is similar.
What I don't want to do is leave this filler in (which appears very much like a 'bodge' ) and then regret when its painted. Needless to say the shell has been soda blasted and the metal edge and metal around the filler is perfect but the blasting didn't remove this 'filler'.
A strange query for New Years Eve but would appreciate any comments.
Thanks
Nick
(And Happy New Year!)

[politeperson]

I think what you are talking about is the factory fitted calking at the junction between the inner wheel well, inner wheel arch, sill and rear quarter panel.

It is some sort of sealer that seems to retain its indestructible qualities 50 years later. It is like super sticky plasticine.

It fills the hole at the junction and prevents water from getting into the sills.

I have come across it on a few e types and my solution after welding was to fill the hole again with modern sealer!

Sorry I cant be of any more help.

[paulsco]

Hi Nick,

A picture would help us advise whether it is original or not.

Regards,

Paul

[Gnickgsmith]

James,
Thanks very much - spot on. Caulking. And its solid. i hadn't realised there was a hole behind it, so I'll leave it and even it out when we prepare for paint.
Thanks again,
Nick

[Gnickgsmith]

Paul,
Thanks for responding. My description was extremely poor but I didn't have a photo. I have the answer now so all well.
Thanks
Nick