I recently picked up an 87 Coupe. I want to do some minor bodywork. I want to shave the PONTIAC off the headlight door, I removed the rear PONTIAC badge so now there are 3 holes, and I want to removed the front emblem. Can I use simple autozone body filler for minor stuff like this? Or should I glass? The roof had a tree fall on it, so it bent and chipped a little, when I pop it back can I use body filler to fix it? If not, what can I use, how should I do it, etc. etc. I am new to bodywork but I want to mack out this 87 and I want to start here.
For taking the pontiac off the headlight door you may want to try sanding the clearcoat off of it then take some smc panel adhesive and fill it in. For the holes after removing the badges you will need a 3M product. The bumpers are obviously not fiberglass so panel adhesive won't adhere very well. The panel Adhesive that I used was ever coat smc fiberglass panel adhesive. It also has a 3 on it in a square, to help you identify it. The 3M stuff is a two part epoxy. I can't remember what its called but I can get it for you later. For sanding, You can take it down with a power sander but do the final sanding by hand. Use something like 220 grit maybe even a little grittier. For the nicks you can use the same stuff but use the panel adhesive on the fiberglass and the 3M stuff on the plastic.
Ryan
[This message has been edited by Winkie (edited 01-28-2008).]
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05:51 PM
Mr.PBody Member
Posts: 3172 From: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Registered: Oct 2006
I bought the adhesive at a Sherwin Williams auto finishes store and the 3M stuff someone bought for me but you can find it online. Maybe SW can get that too.
Ryan
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07:25 PM
Mr.PBody Member
Posts: 3172 From: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Registered: Oct 2006
For taking the pontiac off the headlight door you may want to try sanding the clearcoat off of it then take some smc panel adhesive and fill it in. For the holes after removing the badges you will need a 3M product. The bumpers are obviously not fiberglass so panel adhesive won't adhere very well. The panel Adhesive that I used was ever coat smc fiberglass panel adhesive. It also has a 3 on it in a square, to help you identify it. The 3M stuff is a two part epoxy. I can't remember what its called but I can get it for you later. For sanding, You can take it down with a power sander but do the final sanding by hand. Use something like 220 grit maybe even a little grittier. For the nicks you can use the same stuff but use the panel adhesive on the fiberglass and the 3M stuff on the plastic.
When you prep your headlight cover to fill in the PONTIAC lettering, grind the surface with 24 0r 36 grit grinding disk and fill with your filler. If you are too smooth, the filler won't grip and will crack and seperate over time. Filler needs something harsh to grab onto or it won't stay put. Once you have your lettering filled, sand it smooth with 180 / 220 grit paper on a sanding block so it's all flat, then prime. Once you have a couple good coats of primer on and dried, use a sanding block again and sand with 320 grit. When it's smooth and flat, you're ready to go.
As for the holes in the rear bumper cover from the emblem, I have the 3M EZ Sand Flexible Parts Repair Kit. It's not cheap but it works like a dream, but with the small holes you might be able to use the fiberglass filler without problems. Just chamfer the hole on both sides so the fiberglass won't slide out.
The roof needs the SMC repair filler and make sure you remove all the loosened and cracked material before filling it.
When you prep your headlight cover to fill in the PONTIAC lettering, grind the surface with 24 0r 36 grit grinding disk and fill with your filler. If you are too smooth, the filler won't grip and will crack and seperate over time. Filler needs something harsh to grab onto or it won't stay put. Once you have your lettering filled, sand it smooth with 180 / 220 grit paper on a sanding block so it's all flat, then prime. Once you have a couple good coats of primer on and dried, use a sanding block again and sand with 320 grit. When it's smooth and flat, you're ready to go.
As for the holes in the rear bumper cover from the emblem, I have the 3M EZ Sand Flexible Parts Repair Kit. It's not cheap but it works like a dream, but with the small holes you might be able to use the fiberglass filler without problems. Just chamfer the hole on both sides so the fiberglass won't slide out.
The roof needs the SMC repair filler and make sure you remove all the loosened and cracked material before filling it.
NAPA carries everything.
Thats the 3M stuff.
Ryan
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12:44 PM
bmwguru Member
Posts: 4692 From: Howell, NJ USA Registered: Sep 2006
The NAPA that I deal with can order anything we all talked about. I use them secondary to my regular body shop supply house in a pinch so that should be able to save you shipping.
Mark
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03:05 PM
Mr.PBody Member
Posts: 3172 From: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Registered: Oct 2006
Alright, so what did we decide I need to just do the PONTIAC, and the bumper holes? Something that would also fix my chipped roof would be nice. If there is 1 miracle paste that will do all of this, what is it? If not, tell me what I need and I will go to NAPA and see how much I can afford right now.
I will never ever ever attempt to do body work again. When I dropped my car off at the body shop, they looked at my body work and then sent me for an eye exam. I'll just stick to what I am good at. Dave
[This message has been edited by bmwguru (edited 01-31-2008).]
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12:43 PM
Mr.PBody Member
Posts: 3172 From: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Registered: Oct 2006
If it doesn't work out, you can buy another $200 car and swap out the body panels if they turn out that bad and start over. The Fiero is probably the best car out there to learn on as you can cheaply replace a panel that's too messed to to redo......try that with a ' 70 442 or Chevelle.
