I have a 1982 Jeep CJ-7 and it has rust. I was told to replace the tub, but DON'T want too. My daily car.

Question

All the areas I can deal with repairing the rust holes and etc. The area I need help is localed above the JEEP logo and cowl areas. I have holes due to rust. I cleaned the area, but welding in pieces of square metal is going to be tough. I would like to use lead and shape it up. Any suggestions & comments, never done this. I just don't want to go Bondo crazy.

Answer 1

Ok as a sheet metal technician I have to say that I admire your spunk. Heres what you will need to gather up. First of all a MIG welder preferable a small 110 volt this will work in any outlet, but make sure that it will take a shielding gas. A grinder 4 inch will work, Some of the same thickness of metal, Sanding paper from 500 grit -3000grit, you'll start low with the # of sandpaper and work higher. If you need help along the way just ask I'll be glad to help. As you probably already know remove all metal that has rust in a square form and cut new piece to fit in the hole a hair smaller 1/16th and tack it in using the welder. USE DIRECTIONS Any way as you start to tack it in dont run the bead only tack in small areas to avoid worping jumping around the piece as to keep from getting hot. When done move to grinder some manufactures will supply you with different grit wheels start low and work up as with the sand paper Then move to paper and on to bondo when your happy. Yes a little bondo will tell you where you need to sand and fill small gaps. After that Prime and paint GOOD LUCK. And if you need help ask You'll Never Know If You Dont ASK !!!

Answer 2

If you live in the rust belt, you have to either get used to the idea of chasing rust, or buying a new car every now and then.

You can sandblast it and lead it in, but using lead is a skill acquired over years, not something an amateur can do well first crack out of the box.

Bondo sounds like a cuss word, but the reason plastic body filler has become the industry standard is because it's better than lead in adhesion, ease of forming it, lighter weight, primer sticks to it better and it holds its shape forever.

Use featherite instead of bondo, it has microspheres in it so it's real easy to sand to shape.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I know what is having a car like that, I had to sell mine!!! I almost cried as if I had lost a part of me. My advice, do the necesary adjustments and try putting new parts, otherwise the whole piece will eventually start falling into pieces and it is going to be worst. Good luck.