dxmannn
02-02-2004, 08:31 PM
2. Grind and Fill: (Continued)
Mix the body filler thoroughly using a spreader and mixing board. Use enough hardener to achieve a ligh pinkish color. If you use too much hardener, the mix will “kick” too fast and you won’t have enough time to work it. Spread it in smooth, even strokes, shaping as you go.
3. Shape and Sand
After applying the body filler, let it set until it is the consistency of soft cheese. Do not wait until it is fully hardened! At this consistency it is easily shaped and sanded. Use a 10 in half round body file (cheese grater) and gradually shave the excess filler, shaping the panel as you go. Do not remove too much filler or else there won’t be enough for a level surface. You’re still going to be sanding with 40 grit and 80 grit paper which will remove even more filler. Getting this right takes a little practice.
All the shaping is done with the cheese grater. The sandpaper is mainly to smooth out the cheese grater marks.
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/images/hand1.gif
correct
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/images/hand2.gif
incorrect
Mix the body filler thoroughly using a spreader and mixing board. Use enough hardener to achieve a ligh pinkish color. If you use too much hardener, the mix will “kick” too fast and you won’t have enough time to work it. Spread it in smooth, even strokes, shaping as you go.
3. Shape and Sand
After applying the body filler, let it set until it is the consistency of soft cheese. Do not wait until it is fully hardened! At this consistency it is easily shaped and sanded. Use a 10 in half round body file (cheese grater) and gradually shave the excess filler, shaping the panel as you go. Do not remove too much filler or else there won’t be enough for a level surface. You’re still going to be sanding with 40 grit and 80 grit paper which will remove even more filler. Getting this right takes a little practice.
All the shaping is done with the cheese grater. The sandpaper is mainly to smooth out the cheese grater marks.
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/images/hand1.gif
correct
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/images/hand2.gif
incorrect