started doing bodywork today

[mikep]

I started doing body work on the 68 today. It wont take too long. There isnt any rust other than a quarter sized hole at the bottom of one of the fenders . Rocker boxes are rust free as is the cab so I'll probably be finished up with the body work within a few weeks if I keep at it. There isnt an ounce of bondo on this thing so It's tempting to keep it that way but realistically I dont think I can do it without a small amount of filler to cover the welds to the hole on the fender and to smooth out the front of the fenders after doing metal work as each one has a small dent at the edge. Ive got one real wavy bed outside panel that I may replace . Anyone ever reskinned one side of a bed and have any pointers to share? I havent decided whether to go with side chrome or not although the time to decide is approaching quickly.

[This message has been edited by mikep (edited May 23, 2002).]

[cali_surfer]

Plastic filler, i.e. bondo, gets a bad wrap. While I wouldn't cover my whole vehicle with it, when applied properly it will survive just fine. People always try to cut corners and rush the job without doing the proper prep work and thats why "bondo" either cracks apart or separates from the panel it was attached to.

[jr.chevy]

One thing to remember about bondo is not to put too much hardener in it. Over time the paint will peel off of those spot putty areas. I had to learn the hard way.