Tim, the answer may be that the roofing type material would not "hold" water while some things will absorb moisture and remain wet/damp for extended periods of time? Just a guess.
I think it was used for anti-squeak and the felt was the answer back then...or perhaps it was to keep the engine compartment "sealed" tight to keep out the water/mud and stuff??
Don't know about the rear fenders except to say they were mounted to a more solid, and fewer, inter working pieces???
Just a guess! It be wonderful if we could find some really old timer that worked in the factory and could tell us. I'm intriqued.
...a word on the trim I used. I do not like the vinyl type we get today with the foam like filling. I used a "bug pack" from the volkswagon folks which is nice rubber and holds up very well. Check out some VW's and you'll see what I mean.
...probably didn't answer Tim's question but I tried!!
