Body filler

[Rex T.]

Trying to straighten up a little damage on a mid year roadster I am working on at the very rear tail section. Skimmed a light coat of plastic filler on late yesterday and today it's still very slightly tacky, to the point I cannot sand it. It is a little cool here (50 - 60F) and I am pretty sure I added the specified amount of hardener. Any suggestion for speeding up the curing of this plastic filler (Fiberglass Evercoat's Metal Glaze FE 416). Would letting it sit in the direct sunlight help any or ????

Thanks,
Rex

[Gene M.]

Re: Body filler

Heat lamp will help. Are you sure the material is not old?

[Lyndon S.]

Re: Body filler

Sounds like you did not get enough hardener in it on the first round. Scrape that off and mix a new batch, you should be able to dig your finger nail into at around 10-15 min at the temps you said. You can always put a little more hardener in it when you mix it up, it will just set up faster, but not to much that you can not spread it.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: Body filler

That is a good point also about it might be old. Also be sure that you knead the hardener up good before one puts it in to mix with the filler.

[Rex T.]

Re: Body filler

Thanks guys. The filler was new, I mixed it well, and am PRETTY sure I mixed the appropriate amount of hardener, but there's always the chance I skimped a little. I had used it in other areas and it did just fine. This is the only area that gave me any problem.

Thanks,
Rex

[Chuck S.]

Re: Body filler

I think he's talking about the hardener, which is more susceptible to deterioation than the filler.

Unless you perforated the seal on the hardener tube for this job, toss it and get a new tube of hardener. The rule of thumb for liquid hardener is about 10-12 drops per golf ball sized portion of filler; the cream hardener will be written on the tube, but it seems like it's about 1/4" squeezed out line of hardener for the same amount of filler.

The shelf life on hardener and filler is about six months to a year, depending on exposure to air and storage temperature. Compared to the possible work caused by expired materials, buying fresh stuff is cheap if there is any doubt. JMHO

[Kent D.]

Re: Body filler

If it is hard but just "very slightly tacky" just dampin a rag with thinner and wipe the area. Don't get it wet, then you should be able to sand the repair.

Kent