body filler

[big83chevy4x4]

what is the maximum thickness for body filler with out it cracking?

what brand is the best?

 

[JK5]

1/4" is the thickest without shinkage...

I use Rage...
Easy to work with...easy to sand... /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[spearchucker]

On the shows on TV where they've done this they always say if you have to put more than 1/8 inch on then you should really do metalwork first.

 

[kennyw]

I've bought a few vehicles in MN where they just stuck something into the rust holes and started filling with bondo... Looks good for about 3-6 months before it starts to come apart again /forums/images/graemlins/doah.gif

 

[Pookster]

bondo with fiberglass in it works well. Not the easiest to sand, but it doesnt shrink much at all. Makes everything you bondo pretty darn strong too.

 

[75-K5]

Fiberglass reinforced Bondo is how I repaired the 15"x12" hole in the floor of my Heep. I used a piece of sheetmetal and laid it down on top of the hole then slopped Bondo all over it and anchored it with sheet metal screws. It looks like crap but it was a good solid fix. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[Pookster]

I didnt know it was *THAT* strong. /forums/images/graemlins/bow.gif

 

[ryoken]

as others mentioned the fiberglass reinforced filler is good stuff for "thicker" applications. always best to skimcoat over that with regular mud, little more primer friendly. also the glass reinforced stuff should always be used over patch panel seams. that is an area prone to cracking.

also keep in mind that fillers have come a long way these days and a quality filler is likely not to crack even when relatively thick. but yes, metalwork when possible...

 

[big83chevy4x4]

i plan on going as much metal work as posible but just wanted an idea on how think i could actually go with it and not have a problem