What filler for shaping body lines

[Joe G.]

I am working on a front fender on a 65 mustang. Sorry no pictures right now. I have welded in patches, reworked the metal, coated the weld areas on both sides with Ultra Glass and skim coated the area using Rage Gold filler on the larger panel areas. I am real happy with the results thus far.
I am to the point of fine tuning the lower body line and was thinking that I may need something that can be applied a little thinner and easily sanded to help shape this body line. I have read a lot of previous posts and plan on using masking tape to help keep the line straight. Just looking for any recomendations on filler that people are using in this situation.

Thanks,
Joe

[Bob K]

The down side of easy sanding is the line could get wiped out if you forget for a second and bring your block across the line. In some places it’s nice to have filler that is harder to work. You only have to work it once but if it is soft filler it’s easy to damage. Maybe it’s better to work hard for an hour but have something that will stand up to a little abuse. Maybe get the basic shape with harder filler and then skim coat it with easy sanding filler that will end up with minimal depth. Just my take on the body line issue.

Bob K

[another2centsworth]

Considering all that has been done metal wise I would think about 3 wet coats of Slick Sand poly primer. Buy a 1 qt kit but it will only take 8-12 oz tops with a little left over.

[Joe G.]

Bob K, that is kind of what I was thinking. Just did not know what would be a good product for this since there is a small concave curve right above the body line in question.

another2centsworth, I have picked up some polyester primer a few weeks back. I have not used it yet and not sure what its limits are. The supplier that I have been working with recommended a polyester primer made by Omni. MP243 I believe. So far he has not steered me too far off course.

[another2centsworth]

Just make sure you have the tip size right. It should build great without the spreader marks and lines. The easiest way to skim coat for me in those cases are shooting poly. So much smoother. 8)

[Joe G.]

another2cents,
How durable is the poly primer for building/shaping a body line. I plan on spraying with a finishline 3 and a 1.8 tip. The materials for bodywork have changed so much since the car I did 25-30 years ago when I was in highschool. Everything works so much easier, I just don't want to abuse a product and regret it down the road.

[another2centsworth]

It should work fine. Never sprayed the omni poly. You might have to reduce it some if it allows (tech sheet) to get it flowing through that tip.

I like to use 3/4 in tape as a guideline with spray guide coat when putting a body line back in. When one side of the line is done remove the tape and apply on the other side of the line and proceed to finish the line.

When you pull the tape off it may be sharper then the rest of the lines. I take fine paper (320/400) and by hand dull the line slowly and carefully to match the rest.

I put the lines in with 180. Then apply urethane primer over the poly. Final wet sand for color.

[Len]

another2cents,
How durable is the poly primer for building/shaping a body line. I plan on spraying with a finishline 3 and a 1.8 tip. The materials for bodywork have changed so much since the car I did 25-30 years ago when I was in highschool. Everything works so much easier, I just don't want to abuse a product and regret it down the road.

With 2K primers you don't want to apply more than 2 or 3 coats at a time. Most 2Ks need to give up some solvent as they harden and applying it too thick can cause it to crack immediately or down the road. If you need more filling use a polyester putty or spray the 2K then sand it and apply it again.

[Henry]

I am working on a front fender on a 65 mustang. Sorry no pictures right now. I have welded in patches, reworked the metal, coated the weld areas on both sides with Ultra Glass and skim coated the area using Rage Gold filler on the larger panel areas. I am real happy with the results thus far.
I am to the point of fine tuning the lower body line and was thinking that I may need something that can be applied a little thinner and easily sanded to help shape this body line. I have read a lot of previous posts and plan on using masking tape to help keep the line straight. Just looking for any recomendations on filler that people are using in this situation.

Thanks,
Joe

Make sure you use something good over your welds that will be seen after the car is in paint. Metal to Metal is good also to help with "read" lines.

Not sure if you've seen the work of these two guys (father & Son = 65 Mustang) but below is a link to their YouTube restoration of a 65. A ton of information that you can see being done to help you along on your project.

http://www.youtube.com/turbocobra

Henry