using bondo (or something else?) to patch 1/4 inch holes?

Question

I'm painting my vehicle, and I removed some trim on the doors, which I am going to keep off. There are a few holes that were used for the clips about 1/4 inch diameter each. There is no rust

What is the best method of filling them? I can access both sides of the panel where the holes are.

My thoughts were to apply bondo to both sides, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, what is the fasted drying product?

Thanks

Answer 1

Bondo will work fine, although some body purists say you should weld/braze them closed with lead or a mig welder. I sense you do not have a welder, so apply the bondo from the topside only as your holes are fairly small. Grind off all paint, etc. The drying time is dependent on the mixing of the catalyst/putty ratio and air temperature, and all the products are pretty much the same. You say you can get to both sides, so I would be careful not to put a great excess of bondo. as you would not want a ugly glob on the backside as it will cheapen your careful work. Remember, you sand off about 90% of the bondo as you finish it, so don't overdue it so much that you spend hours sanding it away!

Answer 2

Ideally people will tell you to weld the holes up and grind them back down then wipe them smooth. The thought being that bondo wasn't made to patch holes just to smooth slightly uneven panels.

I'll tell you from experience you will probably be fine, for a while, possibly a long while to just use regular plastic filler. I prefer Evercoat but use what you like.

As far as drying goes. don't be stingy with the hardener. You just better be quick with spreader when it comes to mixing it up and applying it. If you plan on filling any dents or dings too, I suggest marking them with a piece of masking tape that you can see easily and pull off really fast when you want to run up to apply the filler. I'm telling you it doesn't take long and if you are trying to mix once and be able to go around the car, you better be all ready to move. If you don't mark each extra dent you will miss at least one while you are rushing around the car trying to apply the filler before it gets too hard.

Anyway, I've used kitty hair filler to patch a holr in a rocker panel that was about an inch big. It held fo at least six years until I sold the thing and it probably lasted longer than that. It might still be holding today. Be sure to prep well. That is key.

Answer 3

Bondo will not last very long to fill a hole. It will crack leaving a ring or hole.

The best way to fill a small hole is to fill it with metal using a MIG or TIG welder then grinding down the weld. Use a piece of copper or aluminum behind as it can be easily removed. This metal won't stick to the weld. Take your time as to not overheat and warp the metal.

Save the bondo to fill any imperfections after grinding the welds.

Take the time to do it right. You won't be satisfied if you just gob bondo all over the place.

Answer 4

Body filler would probably work the best if they are small. Make sure you sand & metal finish the areas first if its exposed metal so that it won't rust beneath the filler.

just about any bondo will dry pretty fast if you mix it right with the drying chemical.

I use a body filler that has a red-mustang on the front, its just called Bondo. I haven't had any problems with this stuff. =]

no offense to the answer below me, but it would be useless to weld metal on such a small hole. ANd you wouldn't be "gobbing" bondo everywhere if you do it right.

Answer 5

the best is to weld, but a fibreglass patch on the back with bondo on the front is an acceptable substitute, straight bondo will fall out , ruin your paint job and your day, you can speed the drying time by putting in more hardener but this makes the bondo more brittle, keeping things warm is the best and like was mentioned above be prepared before you "mix the mud "