Body Fillers?

[DeeVeeEight]

I have been using Bondo occasionally but it does not spread very easily. I often see body work being done on TV, they have a green body filler that seems to just glide on nice and easy. Can anyone recommend a better body filler than Bondo?

 

[Ozzy]

Marson Platinum #1171

 

[GT6Steve]

To expand on this a bit, I love the evercoat products and seem to use them all mindlessly. My favorite is the LiteWeight but recently noticed a can of Polyester floating around.

Can anyone say if they're compatible or better yet, what each is intended for?

This Corvette is another learning trip challenging my already limited knowldge.

 

[DeeVeeEight]

Thanks for the replies! I am ready to toss the Bondo in the can.

 

[vette]

Thanks for the replies! I am ready to toss the Bondo in the can.

A body man’s trick is to add some fiberglass resin into the mix and that will thin it out. Hardener will also kick the resin over. They did this when there weren’t any of the glazing fillers available that we have today. Also mix the can well before you use it. Try to get your supplies from a place that moves its stock off the shelves fast like and auto body supplies store and you won't have and issue as you state.

Danny

 

[phantomjock]

Thanks for the replies! I am ready to toss the Bondo in the can.

A body man’s trick is to add some fiberglass resin into the mix and that will thin it out. Hardener will also kick the resin over. Danny

Thats an interesting approach! If you choose to do this -- MAKE SURE you are using a polyester based resin and hardner! Epoxy would not be any good in this method.:suicide:

I prefer to use epoxy - its stickier - has a better cross link, and makes a nice filler using a variety of "flours" from talc (yes near to baby powder) for simple low structure support cream fills - easy sanding; to the harder silicas for strength.

A rule of thumb seems to be based more-or-less on the "nobilities" of the resins used. For example (from Most to least):
Ceramic Resins
Epoxy Resins
Vinylester Resins
Polyester resins

SMC sits somewhere - I reckon- between Vinylester and Epoxy - Haven't dug into the chemistry. The importance here is you want to stay as close to the same resin type for best - long term adhesion a-- and lots of good prep work too.

Just my 00.02.

Cheers Jim

 

[stinger12]

We use polyester resin to thin our body filler and everglass at the shop. That's essentially what body filler is made of - talc, fillers, and polyester resin.

Two part body-putty is extremely fine bondo in a tube, and this shit sticks to everything. Its used as a finishing product. I suggest you get some of this as well. Its liquid bondo. But seriously, this crap does stick to everything...its like snot.

Try the evercoat products. We use evercoat rage and evercoat short strand everglass. They work great.

 

[DeeVeeEight]

Yes, my can of Bondo is old - that definitely is not helping things.
Thanks to all for the detailed info. I will be looking for a local supplier for either the Marson or Evercoat products.

Lee

 

[gkz]

I use West Systems epoxy mixed w/their 407 filler. More convenience than anything else--less products on my shelves.

 

[DeeVeeEight]

I found some of the Marson Platinum body filler at a local paint and body supply shop. It is far superior to Bondo in that it spreads much smoother and seems to have a few more minutes of working time before it sets up. It also sands really nice and easy and provides a nice pin-hole free surface. After several weeks of the garage being too hot, today was much cooler and it was possible to get a lot of work done, I am very pleased with the progress.
Thanks again for the recommendations!

 

[mrvette]

Well, ONE thing certain, we sure as hell don't need any 'hardeners' this summer so far, stick anything in the sun, and 2 minits later it's concrete hard....


:shocking::gurney: