I finally got the bottom of both door finished / fixed. I welded in new metal on the front 2 corners. I was very careful while welding and to not get it too hot. (skipped around) After I was finished I noticed the repair had moved in just a bit. I pryed it out almost back to where it was but there is still a low spot on the ridge line of the door.

My question is, what do I want to use to build up this area just a little. I really am not a big fan of using much body filler. Would short strand fiber glass be best? All metal?

Thanks, Jeff

 

You can buy a stud puller that welds little studs to your work and uses a slide hammer to pull it out then you grind off your studs when done. I have seen them in a few places but harbor freight seems to be the cheapest price.

 

I wouldn't imagine that the fiberglass stuff would feather in to nice.. Just use a skim coat of body filler. The problem I see with body filler is people Trying to fill 5" hole's with it and using cardboard to back it... it isn't the proper way to use it:P

 

speak of the devil, just pic'd up a stud puller at harbor freight an it's not a bad unit for weekend duty by back yard mechanics. Be careful and look at the unit carefully. I openned the box before leaving the store, and someone had used the unit, and returned it, studs bags open, arc on the gun tip, etc. Luckily I was able to exchange it on the spot for a new unit. Apparently the type of return happen alot with higher dollar items.

 

Fiberglass don't stay long over metal it pops off over time.You gotta pull it out then plastic filler over it or body solder aka lead they do sell a lead free one now.Could even go to a body hammer and dolly which will bring it up most of the way.

 

You never get patches in such that they don't need at least a little bit of filler.

The proper way to use filler over such welded patches is to use fiberglass reinforced body filler as a sealer over the welding. Apply it and sand it out. After it cures, THEN use your favorite body filler. Hopefully your favorite body filler is not the cheap stuff. By using quality body filler and mixing it properly you will minimize or eliminate pinholing.

Good luck,

 

That is what I had in mind. Short strand FG then Rage filler. Thanks for the help everyone.

Jeff

 

You can make a simple stud puller with stuff you already have. I use 16lb nails and a pry-bar that has a right angle nail puller on one end. You spot weld the tip of the nail to the sheel metal (just a quick tack) and use the bar like a hammer by hooking the fork over the nail and pulling back sharply. Once you practice a little, you can pull a dent out in no time and the nails will snap right off.

 

From what I can tell from your pictures, the amount of filler you will need to smooth that out is way within the accepted limits. Frankly if it were me I would seal that up with a skim of Duraglass filler and then finish out with standard filler.

If it is going to bother you you might work with it some more...... but you are going to be the ONLY person that will probably ever know about your little dent...

You could keep working the door until the finish is good enough to chrome plate, but some people might think this is overkill....