TIL the hard way why you don't use body filler on a panel that's still moving

So I had a 2010 Civic with a dented rear quarter panel last month. I was debating whether to just fill it or try pulling it first. Customer was in a rush and wanted the cheap route. I went with the filler. Looked great for about 2 weeks then it cracked right down the middle cause the panel flexed. Had to grind it all off and do it right. Has anyone else learned this lesson the same way?

3 comments

3 Comments

ruby65911d ago

Yeah I've been that guy. Filler fairy strikes again lol.

adam_baker10d ago

Filler fairy strikes again" got me thinking. That stuff is heavy. Way heavier than people realize. Slap on a half inch of bondo and you've basically added a bowling ball to that quarter panel. Customer ends up with uneven weight distribution. Car handles different. Ride gets bumpy. Nobody ever talks about the unsprung weight issue with filler jobs.

marybutler11d ago

Take it from someone who's fixed a lot of rusty quarter panels, filling a panel that still moves is just asking for trouble. The metal needs to be solid and not flexing or the bondo will crack every time. You probably saved that customer a few bucks upfront but cost them more in the long run with that redo.