using filler for the top

[chargerscott]

does any one know how to do filler work where the 1/4rd panels go to the top? do you just take your time or put a bunch on and sand it down? thanks for any help.

[Charger-Bodie]

Is youre car going to have a vinyl top? What year?

[chargerscott]

73, i want it to be a hard top

[Drop Top]

I use lead in some cases. But thats not for the average person. In most cases I recomend Metal to Metal. Its a filler with metal shaveings in it and is a good filler for heavy fill area like the top seams. Just fill in as much as possable at a time. Knock down with an airboard and 36 grit paper. Then finish off with regular plastic filler and primers as needed. This filler is designed to go right over clean bare metal. Regular plastic fillers in heavy fill areas have a tendicy to crack over time no mater how you aplie them. Weather a little at a time or all at once.

[daytonalo]

That is why they make long strand and short strand body filler , no cracking on large voids and you will live to see retirement age ( lead will kill you )

Larry

[Charger-Bodie]

for large deep voids such as the roof seam, a piece of steel welded in or lead is you're best bet. Any of the plastic fillers Even Metal to Metal will expand and contract at a differant rate that the area around it, making the seam "show" in the right temps.

[Drop Top]

To be correct. Lead CAN kill you. Just like anything else it can be used in a safe maner. Lead should only be used by trained personal and useing the right safety equiment. Even plastic fillers can make you sick if not used properly.

[elitecustombody]

also if lead is used, you'd have to know the procedure of neutralizing the acids in lead before primer or plastic filler,otherwise it'll just flake off

[a192074m]

is there a site or a video to show how to do lead work???

[moparguy01]

most people who do lead work that I've ever met will not teach or talk about how its done. I've never seen a website for it either. It's one of those dark arts nobody wants to talk about.  I was taught by a 85 year old bodyman who passed away about 10 years ago. Modern body fillers are so much better than before, there really isnt MUCH of a place for lead work anymore. I'd weld a piece of metal in there and use plastic fillers to make it smooth.

[Drop Top]

Eastwood has a video and tools for sale. Thats all I will tell you on lead working. I ownly use lead when the customer insists on it and is willing to pay my price. I was taught to me by an old time customizer by the name of Bill Cushenbery.Google his name and you will see all that he has done. Hes gone now and I respect and miss him very much. He taught me everything I needed to know in the restoration busness and a little about life. But lead really should be left to the experts. Its a lost art that really can't be taught by watching a video. It looks much easier then it really is. Stick with some of the other sugjestions.

[superbirdtom]

does any one know how to do filler work where the 1/4rd panels go to the top? do you just take your time or put a bunch on and sand it down? thanks for any help.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Make sure you weld the quarter panel all the way in the sail panel some people just throw a few tack welds on it and it will eventually crack out even with lead.   I have used all metal filler and it works just fine. don't ever use fiberhair filler as it always shows up later I have also used vette panel adhesive without any problems. and I have used panel adhesive too.