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Sheet metal vs fiberglass body repair


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BoppinAbout
Novice

Apr 18, 2010, 2:33 PM

Post #1 of 6 (19030 views)
Sheet metal vs fiberglass body repair Sign In

My understanding (from the little I know) is that filler and/or fiberglass are used to repair small body holes, while welded sheet metal is required for larger holes. I also know that holes that go clear through the metal are more serious than surface rust.

Some of the holes on my doors and rocker panels do go clear through. My question is, what's the definition of "small" versus "large"? What size hole requires sheet metal?

Maybe a better way to phrase that would be, what's the largest hole that can be repaired with fiberglass/filler?

Not doing the work myself. Just need to know what repair method I should be looking for when hiring someone.


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Apr 18, 2010, 2:58 PM

Post #2 of 6 (19022 views)
Re: Sheet metal vs fiberglass body repair Sign In

if you are sending this out to a competent body man, defer to his judgement on what needs to be done. I assure you he won't like being told how to do his job.


BoppinAbout
Novice

Apr 18, 2010, 3:02 PM

Post #3 of 6 (19018 views)
Re: Sheet metal vs fiberglass body repair Sign In

I am looking for a repair person at Craigslist. I need to understand what my car needs so I can sort through the replies I've received. They propose different methods. I like to understand what's going on with my car.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 18, 2010, 3:44 PM

Post #4 of 6 (19018 views)
Re: Sheet metal vs fiberglass body repair Sign In

By the time there are holes in rocker panels you really want to know if the structures unseen are safe and strong for the car overall and those areas would be fixed by welding in metal or could be "game over" for that car,

T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Apr 18, 2010, 5:47 PM

Post #5 of 6 (19007 views)
Re: Sheet metal vs fiberglass body repair Sign In

Most of the answers your looking for will depend on what your expecting for a result and how long you expect it to last. Fiberglass is pretty much ruled out unless your fixing a Corvette. They use Bondo for filling on metal cars. If you have any rust at all, unless you completely cut it out and replace it with metal, it's only a matter of time before it comes back again. If your just selling the car, then that's not important but if your going to keep it for 10 years, you'll be doing it again. you really get what you pay for. I don't know that Craigslist is a reliable place to find a body man though. You really need references and see some of his work to make a choice like that. A lot of crap cam be hidden from you by an unscrupulous body man.



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re-tired
Veteran / Moderator
re-tired profile image

Apr 18, 2010, 8:45 PM

Post #6 of 6 (18998 views)
Re: Sheet metal vs fiberglass body repair Sign In

When i was a know it all , i.e. before years of military and tech schools and years and years of OJT, I did some pretty increadable repairs on my own and close friends rides. Once made an entire quarter panel out of window screen and bondo. Really looked good after paint and buffing (for about 2 years ) musta weighed 20 lbs. made figerglass foot wells for my 71 cj 5 ... to many rides on the beach.As has been said ,anything is possible. Get the est in writting, and ask to see work in stages as being done.


LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH






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