I am putting things back together on my '71 Cutlass convertible. When I took the SS A pillar moldings off, there was a clay like substance packed between the molding and the pillar. Was this stuff normal? It is like plumbers putty and would appear to be there for the prevention of rattling and possibly water seepage. What is this stuff? Could I use plumbers putty as an alternative? If no plumbers putty, where can it be purchased?

Thanks!

Yup- it's for anti-squeak and water sealing. You should be able to find it at a body shop supply. Think it's called "body schutz" or medium-body sealer. I get some stuff at Lowe's building supply called "Strip-Calk" that works good in applications like this. Plumber's putty might work if you get the kind that doesn't dry out.

I used plumbers putty. We will see how well it holds up . . .

Thanks!