Author Topic: A quick body work question - pics added (Read 3575 times)

KB02 · « **on:** March 14, 2006, 07:00:25 AM »

As I am slowing finishing the new seat that I am building for my bike, I have run into a small inconveince. The very last layer of bondo that I have put on (just to fill in the final, tiny little gaps and sctratches) has yet to dry completely... after nearly a week. I just made a very small batch since I needed so little for what I was doing and I guess I didn't add enough hardener.

Here's my question: What should I do? Should I just let it sit a little bit longer and hope that it eventually dries? Or is there a way to scrape a little hardener over the patches so that it will speed up the curing process?

Any suggestions?

Geeto67 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2006, 08:31:52 AM »

first off are you using actual bondo (as in bondo brand filler) or something like marglass or another fiberglass based filler?

my suggestion is to sand (scrape?) off the wet filler and remix and reapply. personally I find bondo not that sturdy overtime so if there are any problems it is better to address them now than later on down the road after paint has been applied.

eldar · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2006, 08:47:20 AM »

What would be suggested for fixing a tank with dents? No holes just dents.

KB02 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2006, 08:55:52 AM »

yes, I am using acual Bondo brand body filler. You think I should scrape and reapply, huh? that sounds like allot of work.

Eldar, how big are the dents? Like, just little dings, or big huge pits?

eldar · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2006, 09:13:55 AM »

they are relatively deep and so not able to be popped out. The tank got hit by hail and landed on bumpy cement.

cb(r) · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2006, 09:18:47 AM »

kb do what geeto said it will save you headaches in the long run.

Geeto67 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2006, 06:42:12 PM »

I use marglass as a filler, more durable than bondo but it costs more. The only downside is it is not always compatable with all automotive paints.

Bondo will last a long time if you treat it right: Apply it on relativly less humid days, mix it in exact proportion, and use a good sealer primer. Even under the best of conditions however the most you can expect is 10 years without cracking (on average). Any shortcuts will cut it's life short. Take the time, do it right, and you'll get better results.

Now for working out gas tank dents I made my own bodywork spoons. Basically they are round blanks welded to the end of stepped rods at various angles. I use them to massage dents out from the inside. The trick is to get the dent shallow enough to use body filler on it. remember a gas tank is a functional piece so any dents lessen it's capacity, so you want them as shallow as possible.

mrblasty · « **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2006, 11:24:59 PM »

I was a repair tech in a body shop until six months ago and have used truck loads of filler.
Scrape the wet stuff off. Lightly sand off a thin layer of hardened filler and reapply skim coat.
For the future look into EVERCOAT brand products, even their low end body fillers are superior to bondo brand, easier to mix, better working times, easier to sand and shape, better adhesion to metal, stronger and lighter.
Good Luck

KB02 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 15, 2006, 05:31:56 AM »

Thanks, all. guess I'll have to stat scrapin'... bleh... Oh well. I want it to look god, right?

Grrrr... and I was so close to being done with that part of the project, too...

dusterdude · « **Reply #9 on:** March 15, 2006, 06:39:04 AM »

eldar,try dry ice or something to shrink the area and then pour hot water of use a heat gun of some type,that will hopefully pop the dent back out.

bill440cars · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2006, 07:37:39 AM »

This is what I like about this site. As far as I knew, Bondo would be the product to use. I have just
learned different and from this post and some others, I'm picking up tips on taking care of gas tank
dents. Thanks guys. Later on, Bill

eldar · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2006, 08:01:17 AM »

The metal is dented to much to smooth out. If it was a broad or shallow dent, not a problem but the metal has been streched a bit.

dusterdude · « **Reply #12 on:** March 15, 2006, 10:58:03 AM »

Quote from: eldar, Master of the K8 Thunder! on March 15, 2006, 08:01:17 AM

The metal is dented to much to smooth out. If it was a broad or shallow dent, not a problem but the metal has been streched a bit.

well damn,that sucks.

eldar · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2006, 11:01:31 AM »

So I guess I will check for evercoat and see what I find.

dusterdude · « **Reply #14 on:** March 15, 2006, 12:35:58 PM »

evercoat is good stuff

jtb · « **Reply #15 on:** March 15, 2006, 03:28:32 PM »

Eldar,
If you can't find Evercoat, try some everclear in a cup.

John

Geeto67 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 16, 2006, 08:42:08 AM »

Quote from: eldar, Master of the K8 Thunder! on March 15, 2006, 08:01:17 AM

The metal is dented to much to smooth out. If it was a broad or shallow dent, not a problem but the metal has been streched a bit.

That is what a metal shrinking hammer is for. Basically work the dents out as best you can and then hit the deepest ones with a metal shrinking hammer. Or you could just buy another tank and not worry about it.

eldar · « **Reply #17 on:** March 16, 2006, 12:17:54 PM »

Hard to use this hammer inside the tank though.

Geeto67 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 16, 2006, 12:24:40 PM »

Quote from: eldar, Master of the K8 Thunder! on March 16, 2006, 12:17:54 PM

Hard to use this hammer inside the tank though.

Use your head.

You work the dent from the inside of the tank with a body work spoon and the hammer the outside. It is ok if you work the dent to pop out too much since that is what a shrinking hammer helps on. Remember when you make a blow with the hammer you are backing it up on the other side with the spoon or another kind of anvil.

Better yet, just go buy a gas tank.

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Author Topic: A quick body work question - pics added (Read 3575 times)

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