sealing tar inside my cooler after tank removal

[chris in Bama]

Can someone tell me about this "sealing" tar that is on the inside of my Westinghouse cooler? (along many joints & seams of the body)  My questions are;
1. what was it for?
2. before media blasting, what needs to be removed (some of it, all of it?)
3. Does anything need to go back in it's place?
Thanks

[Slapshot42]

The tar was essentially a sealant for the tank liner .  When preparing the machine for sandblasting I use a sharp putty knife and remove as much as possible.  During reassembling I use an automotive seam sealer .

[Zach]

3M or the Dynatron seam sealer work great, most auto parts stores have it. Somewhat expensive stuff but if you store it correctly it will last.

[Ltransam]

I found scraping as much off as possible then a Good Citrus cleaner will dissolve the rest

[chris in Bama]

thanks to all that replied, i found in another related thread (i hadn't seen), the use of DX330 to remove the tar. I picked up a quart today, got as much off as i can with a putty knife. will try this solvent tomorrow. how about covering the seams with air duct tape?

[Slapshot42]

thanks to all that replied, i found in another related thread (i hadn't seen), the use of DX330 to remove the tar. I picked up a quart today, got as much off as i can with a putty knife. will try this solvent tomorrow. how about covering the seams with air duct tape?

I think the tape would not be as durable long term.  A tube of seam sealer shouldn't break the bank!