What was between the fender and the body?

[Zeke]

I posted this on the Early 911S Registry and let it ride for 3 days. 61 views and no response. Sorry for the X post, but I really want to know. It was maybe a stupid question?

Anyway, on 2 different '71s, I found a soft, whitish putty between the front fenders and the nose section. I think the stuff promotes rust and want to use something else. But first, what did the factory use?

[mudman]

Dog guts, it was too salty though, hence the rust. Just kidding. I don't know what was used ( on my 73) but what was just suggested in another post and what my body guy used is 3M Panel Putty Strips. Pretty much the same thing from what I can remember, except it is black. I think Pelican or Performance(Automotion) sold the original stuff in a long roll. Hope that helps you!
-Jeremy

[Paul Thomas]

I used basically the same thing. 3M strip caulk. Came in a box with multiple layers of wax paper with 12" strips lined up on it. Got it at a body shop supply. More than i will ever need for like $8. Great for wrapping around wires/hoses going through a fire wall or plugging holes.

[Series900]

That would be Blitzenschnoz, they stopped making it due to the "cruelty to animals act" the Germans passed (finally) in 2000. They would strap stray dogs into a centrifuge similar to the NASA g-force carnival ride and extract the mucus from the sinal cavities. The German translation is "fast nose", I have always known it as dog snot.
You can look into Wurth for panel seam tape, less like putty, more like two sided tape. The rust you see is more from years of water and grit making a glacier speed wet sand. The grey putty or 3m strip caulk will collapse in the tight spots and fill the wide gaps, but neither promote rust, the collapsed spots are where the potential to rust will occur. The fender tape is more rubber membrane like and will not wear through. disclaimer-Your mileage and gaps may vary. :>)