Is bondo work as hard as it seems?

**psykopyro** · 08-10-2005, 02:12 AM

I have quite a background in just general screwing around with construction. I've done house stuff like built a deck and fixed about everything that went wrong in out last house. I've also fooled around with modding computers- sutting metal, plexiglass, and the like.

Basically, I'm pretty handy with tools but wanted to know if I'm ready to take on the monster that is Bondo.

I've heard good and bad things about it, but I've never worked with it in person.

Is it really as hard as it's hyped to be?

Are there any good guides that could give me an intro? (Yes, i've already used

)

Thanks

**kingtut** · 08-10-2005, 02:21 AM

It is as strong as the weakest point in your structure. It is not used for structural integrety. It is "body filler", no more, no less.

This is it, this is the guide, search for bondo here. By the way, BONDO is a brand name, it is not the best body filler out there. I use 3M & Dupont products.

**psykopyro** · 08-10-2005, 03:00 AM

what is used for structural integrity then?

**Bugbyte** · 08-10-2005, 03:21 AM

Some people build a frame out of wood, others use ABS plastic, some use metal. Just depends on what works. Just remember that if you bondo a large area without good support behind it, you'll end up with cracks eventually, often weeks or months down the line.

Check the FAQ Emporium "FAQ of FAQ's". There's a link there to "How to install your screen". I think it is Alti's thread on how to do it. He builds a frame of wood and uses bondo at the end.

It's not that much of a "monster", but experience with bondo saves you a lot of sanding on the backside. If it doesn't work, you can chip it off and try something different. This is why many people buy duplicate bezels or consoles in case they make a big error, they still have one that looks and fits well.

**psykopyro** · 08-10-2005, 01:49 PM

hmm i didn't find that thread in the faw emporium but i think i know what you're getting at- you want to build a basic, rough frame from hard materials (wood, plastic, metal) and then use bondo to smooth it out?

also, is body filler anything like putty?

**WhiteRabbit** · 08-10-2005, 01:59 PM

bondo is absolutely structural. what I think everyone is referring to concerning its weakness is its ability to propagate cracks. for example:

anyone who has done drywall knows you tape the seams before mudding the wall. without that tape, over time the crack will reveal itself in the wall.

well, if you have that space between your dash kit and console, and bondo over it, the exact same thing will happen. its easy to consider that no structural integrity.

we solve that problem by using a fiber reinforced body filler. you can buy the stuff, or you can buy your own jar of glas fibers and make your own glass reinforced bondo, either way those fibers will eliminate crack propagation.

is bondo as hard as it seams? not at all. finishing it is a *****, but the actual work is cake. you describe yourself as a handy guy, and considering your previous experience, after your second or third project involving a bodyfiller, youll consider yourself a pro, easy