mwelther68

I have some minor rust (bubbling paint) around the rear wheel well -- not enough to consitute a metal patch, but I dont want to use bondo---has anyone used "Lab-Metal" - a liquid that you apply with a putty knife and it claims to harden into "metal" -- also, I would be interested in hearing what else would be a good way to repair the affected area. Any other suggestions/tips for fixing this?

Thanks

Chopper

I have never used the product in question but have used lots of Bondo.There's nothing wrong with Bondo but my Dad used some stuff called "All Metal" when he worked as a bodyman.(42 yrs) It was pretty much Bondo (It smelled the same anyway) with aluminum mixed into the putty.He also used lead to fill and smooth out imperfections.Yes I know how to use lead also but due to it's poisonous nature I don't recommend trying it.Lead is hard to use because of the heat involved and the thinner guage of metal in cars made past 1970.
If the work is "minor",keep it minor and use whatever is easiest to work with.I woudn't hesitate to use regular old Bondo.

JD1969

If it is just minor rust and not rot you can grind it out and then apply a thin layer of filler to even things out. Filler or Bondo as you call it) is perfecly fine when used right, it's people who fill big dents or just smear it on over rust that give it a bad rap.

corvetteguy

I agree, first gring off the paint and apply
a metal conditioner. (acid) this etches the
rust and turns it black or gray. A wet cleaner
rag, folloowed by a dry rag. Then a shot of
spray primer.
A spatula of mixed bondo, and wet 360 sand
paper, finished by primer and finish paint.
You will be good for a few years.

xzo6

Not many people use lead anymore.Filler is a lot easier.When I apprenticed for Collission repair we were taught how to use lead ,but it's not practical in a collission repair shop.