WORKING
WITH
FILLER
Mixing The Filler
leanliness and proper mixing and
application are extremely impor-
tant. Use a clean piece of plastic or
glass or a disposable artist's palette to
mix body filler.
Allow plenty of time and follow di-
rections. No useful purpose will be
served by adding more hardener to
make it cure (set-up) faster. Less hard-
ener means more curing time, but the
mixture dries har,der; more hardener
means less curing time but a softer mix-
ture.
Mix the body filler and hardener by
wiping across the mixing surface,
picking the mixture up arid wiping it
again; Colder weather! requires longer
mixing times. Do hot mix in a circular
motion; this will trap air bubbles which
will become holes in the cured filler.
Both the hardener and the filler
should be thoroughly kneaded or
stirred before mixing. Hardener should
be a solid paste and dispense like thin
toothpaste. Body filler should be
smooth, and free of lumps or thick
spots.
Getting the proper amount of hard-
ener in the filler is the trickiest part of
preparing the filler. Use the same
amount of hardener in cold or warm
weather. For contour filler (thick coats),
a bead of hardener twice the diameter of
the filler is about right. There's about a
15% margin on either side, but, if in
doubt use less hardener.
Applying The Filler
For best results, filler should not be
applied over W thick.
Apply the filler, in several coats. Build
it up to above the level of the repair sur-
face so that it can be sanded or grated
down.
The first coat of filler must be pressed
on with a firm wiping motion.
Apply the filler in one direction only.
Working the filler back and forth will
either pull it off the metal or trap air
bubbles.
REPAIRING DENTS
efore you start, take a few minutes to study the damaged area. Try to visualize
the shape of the panel before it was damaged. If the damage is on the left fender,
look at the right fender and use it as a
guide; If there Is access to the panel
from behind, you can reshape it with a
body hammer. If not, you'll have to use
a dent puller. Go.slovvly and work
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