frame (rust) filler

[Charles B.]

I am doing the final prep before painting my 68 frame and have read the posts up thru November 2007. Has anyone had any new experiences using a metal leveler/filler? Any experience with the Eastwood "Metal in a can" product? Is it "safe" to get recommendations from the local 3M or PPG supplier? Thanks for your help!

[Chuck S.]

Re: frame (rust) filler

Charles, I have used such a product, and it was marketed by a major paint manufacturer (PPG).

These products are essentially a metal-filled bondo. From my experience, I concluded that a metal-filled bondo offered no advantage for usual body filling purposes. Think about it...in most filling applications, filler is essential cosmetic with no heavy loads applied to it. Once you cover it with primer and paint, it's essentially hanging there keeping things looking pretty.

My only advice is to make sure whatever filler (bondo) you use is FRESH, and more importantly, use FRESH CATALYST...if your catalyst was opened more than six months ago, toss it.

[Alan S.]

Re: frame (rust) filler

Hi Charles,
My only thought is to remind you to use absolutely as THIN a coat of filler as you can and still achieve the results you're looking for.
Regards,
Alan

[Steven S.]

Re: frame (rust) filler

Most manufacturers have their version of a "metal" filler. I have not tried Eastwoods product, but I have used USC All-Metal in the past. These products do sand a bit harder than some of the other fillers out there, it all depends on what you want to use it for.