Filler Questions

[Joshpow]

Guys I got some finish work to do on the dings on my new bed. Nothing major. Couple near taillight are bout 1/4 inch across and 1/8 inch deep round dings. Other is where bed fell and made big dent. Got it almost gone but tiny waves in the metal. My question is how much filler is acceptable? I cant get to the ones near taillight so theyll have to be filled. On the other hand, I can get to the other fine. Just getting to the point if I make mislick Ill make it worse. Also, what filler and how do I prep? I want to fix this thing nice and not have to worry bout rust or cracking filler for a few years! Thanks!

[backwoods boy 70]

the shop i work at we use a filler called dura glass its good stuff....to prep scuff with about 80 grit sand paper and blow the surface off good add your filler and sand it down even but by what you descibed about the dents it should be fine to just fill and not have to worrie about it crackin

[Joshpow]

OK. I got it to bare metal in dents and just layed thin coat of primer to protect it. Should I sand back to bare metal before I lay the filler? Thanks.

[smokey3215]

yes it needs tooth to stick

[backwoods boy 70]

you can either sand back to bare metel or scuff the surface of the primer with sand paper but if i was you id go all the way to the metal and then fill it and if you need to add a little to get it perfect after you prime it and block it out its no big deal to put a little on top of the primer just scuff the low primer and prime back over were you put it on top and repeat till its straight

[jzjames]

You'll get more opinions on bodywork than you will on 'which oil to use". I'll give you mine.
If your filler is going to be thicker than you'd really like, then take it down to bare metal. 60 or 80 grit would be fine.
If you have hammered out your dent almost perfect, but you still would see ripples in the metal, then you can prime it, and apply some good filler over the rippled surface, and sand it out to a nice surface. Prime it again and do your painting application.

I try not to get bogged down on brand of filler, but I like lightweight filler. Actually I am satisfied with "Bondo Ultimate" which can be found in any parts store. You'll need a good paintjob over it so moisture will not be a factor.

[Joshpow]

I know what youre saying jzjames. Just gotta get opinions besides mine cause Im no body man!! Thanks everybody. I guess Ill go back to metal and lay some lightweight filler, sand good and prime and paint!