Bodywork Thread, Trying to assemble a total bodywork thread...Painting, Dent removal Options

[e30og]

trying to start a thread on painting (all inclusive) and bodywork (removing dents, etc.) because, well I want to learn it and im sure there are tons of viewers wondering/wishing the same thing.

If you have bodywork/Paint know-how, share here!

[mkernz22]

to just add onto this thread;

does anyone know what would be good to use for molding on SS and rear splitters?

[Badkarma]

im going to be molding my duckbill spoiiler to my hatch in a week or so.
i would recommend using a fiberglass/resin type filler for the basic shape, then using a lightweight body filller (evercoat dynalite or such) or a glazing putty to finish it up.

the fiberglass will just build up quicker, and its stronger. but it sands much harder. thats why i would use the glaze or regular body filler over the top..just my reccomendation.

Erich

[Bigblock]

The thought has come up lately--I think I will **try** to fix some rust-out with some fiberglass resin & " sheets " of 'glass
where the doors are getting bad.

Recently, I did a project for another car using resin & 'glass sheets to repair a T-top headliner. Turned out pretty good!

This post has been edited by Bigblock: Sep 28, 2010 - 9:41 PM

[Badkarma]

if the rust hasn't yet eaten through the metal, use a wire wheel to strip the rust/paint away, then start your repair. and before painting, use some self-etch/wash primer(has acid that will "bite" into the metal to prevent rusting later.

however, if it HAS rusted through the entire piece of metal, and your not planning on cutting/welding pieces to fill the hole, patch what you can with the fiberglass/resin, and hope for the best.

Good luck.

btw, my doors on my new 96 gt hatch are doing the same thing. right at the bottom. the 94 gt hatch is slowly becoming my parts car. so ill take them off of that.

This post has been edited by Badkarma: Sep 29, 2010 - 6:58 PM

[mkernz22]

I need to fix up the rust on my drivers quarter panel. I might get another piece of metal welded in and then line the inside and outside with fiberglass. That would make it pretty much rust proof, right?

[mgnt232]

I agree with everything badkarma said, I recently sent someone a big huge Pm on some of the stuff and ill just copy and paste it, below.
Also ►Click here for my side skirt molding thread◄
And ►Click Here for my painting thread◄
Also keep in mind i had NO previous body work experience, so I showed and tried to explain exactly what i did, and dont do.

▼ Here is a PM I sent answering some of the questions as well ▼

Anyhow, its kind of dependent on the rust. When I molded my skirts, Bot my doors were rusted as well. The bottom "rear" of the door had a spot about the size of a quarter that was rusted right through, so I used a grinder and cut it right out (if its rusted through theres no real saving it) Then I used some bondo (its MUCH easier to "shape" than glass)
The only thing with bondo is let it "cure" for at least a day before you paint it, because it shrinks ever so slightly as it cures. And if the paint is on it, it will not shrink totally with the bondo, so it will leave an "air bubble" behind it. Also do not let water (rain) come in contact with bondo.I know that sounds pretty complicated and what not, just let it dry a day and then paint.

I didnt go to bare metal when i molded the skirts. I suppose it would technically be better, I just went to the primer as I did with the rest of the car. I molded the rear the same way in the beginning of the spring, and its been fine, so i can say its fine that way smile.gif

And with the molding of my skirts, thats a HUGE process, with a ton! of fiberglass and bondo, because the gaps were 5"+ in some spots. But as far as molding a kit made for the celi, bondo is my recommendation. Its very easy to work with. You have about 10 mins to work with it, and its an easy clean up. Resin is like impossible to clean from brushes, accidental spills, the ground, and the containers you use.
I heard people also say so use "plastic filler" (its like bondo, but i hate! using it, just not my thing) Because bondo can crack. But again mines been done for like 8 months on the rear and its been fine, just what ive heard.

Any questions just ask man, ive made alot of mistakes thats why i can tell you what to do...and more importantly what not to do laugh.gif

[96stgreendemon]

as far as body work goes never ever use more than a 1/4 inch of bondo, that is just asking for trouble

[e30og]

I agree with everything badkarma said, I recently sent someone a big huge .....

I knew there had to be a thread where someone did this, but this is good stuff, and Im suprised how fast and how much info is already surfacing in this thread! Makes me wana just strip the car now and blow my paycheck on paint supplies...haha this will be another long term project. Ill start small for now, like a panel or bumper or something. Still have some rust I have to take care of too.

A few dents in a few of the panels, do I just pull off the panel and hammer it out as best as I can?

and with the plastic bumpers, is there any extra precautions I should take (since its not metal)?

[96stgreendemon]

as far as larger dents go you will need basic autobody tools, dollys, hammers etc, as well as a stud welder and a slide hammer to pull the dents

[CelicaHD2]

I think this should be relevant...I have got a quick DIY on how to remove the quarter side windows and window drip rail if it helps.

I shall post it in the extterior section for all to see asap.

Cheers.

[easternpiro1]

callmejb has some body work experience went to school for it for a bit maybe hit him up on here?

[CelicaHD2]

I have alot of experience in terms of bodywork, spraying etc...I can put up a few write ups on small dent repair, radio antenna hole smoothing, bonnet road rash re-spray all with pictures.

The only problem is I work with HVLP spray guns, compressors, air fed masks, that maybe alot of people don't have...but is could give some information on how it's done and what's involved.

[mkernz22]

I have alot of experience in terms of bodywork, spraying etc...I can put up a few write ups on small dent repair, radio antenna hole smoothing, bonnet road rash re-spray all with pictures.

The only problem is I work with HVLP spray guns, compressors, air fed masks, that maybe alot of people don't have...but is could give some information on how it's done and what's involved.

If you could do that, I would appreciate it so much!

I think Coomer should make a section on the forum dedicated to just body work. Even though it is considered "Exterior Styling" it should have it's own section because exterior styling is leaning more towards hoods, bumpers, lights, and etc, but there is just so much about body work and I don't think exterior styling could handle it. Also, the fact that the site would be a little messier with it in there as well. That's just my thought on it though

[96stgreendemon]

im actually going to do some fitting work on my front splitters now, should have pics up soon

[96stgreendemon]

So the Splitters have been fixed, only had real problems with both front splitters and the back driver side (not sure if rear is due to repair from accident or not. but molding your splitters does not have to mean that they are permanent attached to the car, i will tell you all exactly how i did all of this, i will be doing alot of work here soon relating to this thread, including painting as soon as money allows.

MOLDING SPLITTERS (im still out of town so pictures will soon follow)

First is first, mark where the top of your splitters meet the body of your car, now remove your splitters

then tape 2 inches above the splitter and up to 4 inches below

Now take a look at your splitters and hold them up to the car and see how they line up when they are not attached, you may need to use a dremel or similar to grind away at the fiberglass of the splitter untill it looks like it sits flush in that area, or maybe your holes you orginally drilled did not work, check those and redrill if needed( i know mine needed alot removed on the the back so it would fit right)

sand down the splitters with 100 grit sand paper where the bodyfiller will be in contact with the splitter to ensure it will stick

Now bolt your splitters back up to the car making sure the tape covers enough area so you will not get bodyfiller on your paint

Mix bodyfiller with hardner making sure you have a uniform color and no streaks

Apply bodyfiller with plastic spatula or something similar to get in all the cracks you are trying to fill, but just remember bodyfiller is a big PITA, add more bodyfiller if needed

Wait about 4 or 5 hours maybe more depending on how much filler you use, and carefully unbold splitters and slowly pull the splitter off trying to bring the tape with it, just remember if you break it you will have to go back and do it again so dont be in a hurry

more to come.....

[mkernz22]

So I do have a question, where is the best place to buy fiberglass and the resin, as well as bondo?

Edit: Also, what is the best type?
I'm going to be molding my rear splitters on in the spring, and my skirts before winter, hopefully.

This post has been edited by mkernz22: Oct 18, 2010 - 4:44 PM

[96stgreendemon]

well you can buy it anywhere, i have seen it at home depot, walmart, most auto stores, bondo is not a bad brand, but go to an auto store that specializes in paint, you will pay a bit more, i have only used bondo brand though

[mkernz22]

ohh alrightt
what i'm thinking about doing is filling the gap with some putty, then fiberglass over that, and then put some putty or bondo down and sand it and shape it so that it's really flush. correct me if i'm wrong with that though.
Also, I'll talke to Pressure2 (Manny) cause he works at Maaco and knows a lot about body work

[96stgreendemon]

as long as it is not over a 1/4 in gap you should have no problem using bondo, and it is easier to work with and cheaper than fiber glass