Whats the best way to remove old bondo? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lukecp · 06-14-2002, 04:14 PM

I was waxing my truck the other day, when i saw a little crack in the paint above the rear wheelwell. I picked at it with a key, and discovered about a 1'x2' patch of 1/4" deep bondo on my rear quarter panel, for no apparent reason. I can't seem to find any dent beneath it, but i haven't removed it all yet. I started with a sander, but it will take a long time like that, i am using 100 grit sandpaper. Is there any faster way to remove to old bondo, like a chemical or someting like that?

HuggerCST · 06-14-2002, 04:26 PM

36 grit paper on a hand grinder, or a cupped wire brush on a hand grinder both have worked well for me, but you may want to were a dust mask. I bet you're going to find a dent under there, though.

Big69C20 Toy · 06-14-2002, 04:26 PM

You could use a paint stripping tool. it's like a bunch of metal rods that spin and tear off paint, it worked pretty well when i did mine, it still take a while though.

Travis · 06-14-2002, 04:30 PM

I used a wire brush on a drill on mine.

lukecp · 06-14-2002, 04:32 PM

I might try some 50 grit paper, it is the roughest i can find. After about 5 minutes of sanding, i went out and bought some dust masks, lol. It didn't feel too good to inhale bondo dust....

Travis · 06-14-2002, 04:36 PM

That is some dusty stuff.

jku72 · 06-14-2002, 04:57 PM

A sander grinder, if you have one, takes away bondo in about 2 seconds, in a blinding cloud of dust. I bet there is a slight body defect that caused it to be there though, and some dents are not detectable to an untrained hand. Forget a visual, only feeling them works 100%. A long stoke of the hand can detect a lot, or, on a smooth finish, a light coat of oil(careful of the type) and a strategically placed light can show up slight imperfections as well.

jay-dawg · 06-14-2002, 05:35 PM

stroking and light oil????

just messing with you man....I have the same problem here and want to see what other ideas come up.

thanks,
jay

lukecp · 06-14-2002, 08:52 PM

Well, i got most of the bondo removed, but it is getting dark now. I used a coarse wire brush on my electric drill to take off most of it, and then got the rest of it off with my electric sander and 100 grit paper. It appears that the truck was T-boned in the rear quarter panel, and they pulled out the dent. There are about 10-15 small dings, and several depressions, none more than 3/8" deep. They got a little happy with the bondo, they put it on some places about 1/8" thick where there is no dent at all. What would be the best way for me to fix this? Should i just bondo it again, but take my time on it? Can i use fiberglass to fix this? My quarter panel isn't rusty at all, but i have seen new ones for sale in several magazines.

PushinPebbles · 06-14-2002, 11:11 PM

I think the lowest grit they make is 36.................which looks like rocks glued to paper...........Why would you use Glass' if there is no rust???...............Fill it ,sand it,fell it, finish fill it, primer it, and ride the hell out of it.....................I skiped the paint process.......
sorta gives u a idea of my truck...........all colors..........
hehehe.......................Jack

chevyman 68 C/10 · 06-15-2002, 12:40 AM

The sander grinder is the way to go. You can go as low as 24 grit but you need to keep it moving and not stay in one spot if you go that course.The safest is 36 grit.

You will need to use something like this to rough up the metal before applying more body filler to get good adheasion to the damaged area.

Chevyman 68 C/10

PanelDeland · 06-15-2002, 08:43 AM

Be careful with the heavy grit sanding disc's.They can build heat and cause warping.The lighter ones will also but generally you are doing lighter work with the lighter grits and not pressing as hard causing friction to build heat.

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 06-15-2002, 09:26 AM

If the dents are where you can behind them then a little hammer and dolly work might be in order before the bondo, some minor dents can be worked out by shrinking the metal that way, you can get cheap hammer and dolly sets at most auto stores,eastwood, jc whitney etc. or a quality shrinking hammer for about 75.00. I make my dollies out of lead melted to conform to a particular good panel on these trucks then use it to fix the dented panel. But thats all we do all day is fix dented,rusted trucks so it's worth the time to make custom dollies. Be sure to use a good quality bondo that will not shrink like RAGE, some bondo will shrink when fully cured 3-10 days even after painting.

sub4rvr · 06-15-2002, 11:13 AM

I think it's funny that you started out waxing your truck, and ended up taking a sander to it. Sounds like a typical day for me. try to get one thing done, and end up doing five.

06-14-2002, 04:14 PM	#1
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Whats the best way to remove old bondo? I was waxing my truck the other day, when i saw a little crack in the paint above the rear wheelwell. I picked at it with a key, and discovered about a 1'x2' patch of 1/4" deep bondo on my rear quarter panel, for no apparent reason. I can't seem to find any dent beneath it, but i haven't removed it all yet. I started with a sander, but it will take a long time like that, i am using 100 grit sandpaper. Is there any faster way to remove to old bondo, like a chemical or someting like that? __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

06-14-2002, 04:26 PM	#2
HuggerCST Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Louisiana Posts: 4,501	36 grit paper on a hand grinder, or a cupped wire brush on a hand grinder both have worked well for me, but you may want to were a dust mask. I bet you're going to find a dent under there, though. __________________ Wynne 70 CST short fleet Hugger orange & white, 350/350, ps, pb, air, tilt, tach/vac/speedwarning, original buckets, AM/FM, oak bed floor, shoulder belts, 3.5"/5.5" drop, 20" American Racing VN425s. Build thread 53 Chevy shortbed 69 Camaro Click here to subscribe Chevy GMC International Truck Club Louisiana Charter Member http://www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

06-14-2002, 04:26 PM	#3
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	You could use a paint stripping tool. it's like a bunch of metal rods that spin and tear off paint, it worked pretty well when i did mine, it still take a while though. __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.

06-14-2002, 04:32 PM	#5
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	I might try some 50 grit paper, it is the roughest i can find. After about 5 minutes of sanding, i went out and bought some dust masks, lol. It didn't feel too good to inhale bondo dust.... __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

06-14-2002, 04:57 PM	#7
jku72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: cornville, maine Posts: 659	A sander grinder, if you have one, takes away bondo in about 2 seconds, in a blinding cloud of dust. I bet there is a slight body defect that caused it to be there though, and some dents are not detectable to an untrained hand. Forget a visual, only feeling them works 100%. A long stoke of the hand can detect a lot, or, on a smooth finish, a light coat of oil(careful of the type) and a strategically placed light can show up slight imperfections as well. __________________ jku Cornville, Maine 68 C10 burb 42 Willys MB 46 Dodge WF-32 1.5 ton 53 & 56 Olds' 60 Cadillac 22 Dodge Brothers

06-14-2002, 04:30 PM	#4
Travis Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: eastern NC Posts: 137	I used a wire brush on a drill on mine.

06-14-2002, 04:36 PM	#6
Travis Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: eastern NC Posts: 137	That is some dusty stuff.

06-14-2002, 05:35 PM	#8
jay-dawg chevelito Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI USA Posts: 1,609	stroking and light oil???? just messing with you man....I have the same problem here and want to see what other ideas come up. thanks, jay __________________ New deadline...when my son can drive. Aloha from Honolulu, HI

06-14-2002, 08:52 PM	#9
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Well, i got most of the bondo removed, but it is getting dark now. I used a coarse wire brush on my electric drill to take off most of it, and then got the rest of it off with my electric sander and 100 grit paper. It appears that the truck was T-boned in the rear quarter panel, and they pulled out the dent. There are about 10-15 small dings, and several depressions, none more than 3/8" deep. They got a little happy with the bondo, they put it on some places about 1/8" thick where there is no dent at all. What would be the best way for me to fix this? Should i just bondo it again, but take my time on it? Can i use fiberglass to fix this? My quarter panel isn't rusty at all, but i have seen new ones for sale in several magazines. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

06-14-2002, 11:11 PM	#10
PushinPebbles My dad's 68 Join Date: May 2002 Location: VA Posts: 444	I think the lowest grit they make is 36.................which looks like rocks glued to paper...........Why would you use Glass' if there is no rust???...............Fill it ,sand it,fell it, finish fill it, primer it, and ride the hell out of it.....................I skiped the paint process....... sorta gives u a idea of my truck...........all colors.......... hehehe.......................Jack __________________ Jack M. 67 C-10 SWB 355 built T-350 tranny hurst shifter 17x8in KMC's on michelins, clear tails and back up lights slammedUPDATE i have decided on my bag setup and will post further info when i recieve all the parts **************************** 88 1/2 ton suburban 4x4 350/700R-4having a 9 in lift w/ 38 in tires 4 12 inch Lightning Audios *************************** 87 silverado 3/4ton jacked up 10-12 inches black and rubberized bed coating 35 in michelans ************************** Dad's truck 68 C-10 stepside, 468 BB, tubbed, weld wheels, Nason black,lots more **************************** grand dads truck 68 C-10 stepside fuel inj. 350/700R-4soon in audi silver **************************** 84 toyota pickup 22R 5 speed 2WD slammed, shaved and all the body lines filled w/ buickGN scoop,bout to be sprayed in 2003 mustang green metallic w/ silver flames **************************** S/N=BIGGYTYME@aol.com (hydros) "No fat chics, truck will scrape"

06-15-2002, 12:40 AM	#11
chevyman 68 C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Gilmer, Texas USA Posts: 313	The sander grinder is the way to go. You can go as low as 24 grit but you need to keep it moving and not stay in one spot if you go that course.The safest is 36 grit. You will need to use something like this to rough up the metal before applying more body filler to get good adheasion to the damaged area. Chevyman 68 C/10 __________________ 69 Chevy short fleet side soon to have LT1 and 4L60E pb. ps cruise and air. 68 Chevy short fleet side 400 sb 5 inch chop top pb. ps. pw. 350 auto and shaved handles 68 anniversary no engine long wheel base 400 auto FOR SALE 68 Chevy fleet side long wheel base complete parts truck.

06-15-2002, 08:43 AM	#12
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Be careful with the heavy grit sanding disc's.They can build heat and cause warping.The lighter ones will also but generally you are doing lighter work with the lighter grits and not pressing as hard causing friction to build heat. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-15-2002, 09:26 AM	#13
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	If the dents are where you can behind them then a little hammer and dolly work might be in order before the bondo, some minor dents can be worked out by shrinking the metal that way, you can get cheap hammer and dolly sets at most auto stores,eastwood, jc whitney etc. or a quality shrinking hammer for about 75.00. I make my dollies out of lead melted to conform to a particular good panel on these trucks then use it to fix the dented panel. But thats all we do all day is fix dented,rusted trucks so it's worth the time to make custom dollies. Be sure to use a good quality bondo that will not shrink like RAGE, some bondo will shrink when fully cured 3-10 days even after painting. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

06-15-2002, 11:13 AM	#14
sub4rvr Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Palm Springs, Ca. Posts: 574	I think it's funny that you started out waxing your truck, and ended up taking a sander to it. Sounds like a typical day for me. try to get one thing done, and end up doing five. __________________ 72 C10 Suburban 90 S10 57 F100 (2) 67 Mustang (2) 69 Torino GT 00 Mustang GT Conv.



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