Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Bondo A Rusty Fender

Bondo makes patching a hole in a rusty fender simple.


Harsh weather can take a toll on your vehicle, especially in the areas where moisture, dirt and grease are prevalent, such as the fenders. Left untended, a small patch of rust can quickly grow into an ugly, flaky hole. Though large holes should be professionally serviced, small patches of rust can be repaired with a few well-placed pieces of duct tape and a container of Bondo sealant.


Instructions


1. Scrape away as much flaking rust from the area as possible using the tip of a flathead screwdriver. Wipe the area clean of dirt, grease and any other residue with a wet microfiber cloth.


2. Cover the inside of the fender's hole with duct tape. Ensure that the entire hole, including an inch around it, is covered with tape.


3. Open your container of Bondo and mix according to the instructions. Some sealants arrive ready-mixed while others require you to mix the resin and hardener compounds.


4. Apply the Bondo to the hole using a plastic spreader tool. Use a generous amount and spread the Bondo over the inch of metal surrounding the hole.


5. Allow the Bondo to cure for the time suggested by the manufacturer. Once it has fully dried, peel off the duct tape you attached to the inside of the fender earlier.


6. Sand the Bondo down, using a piece of coarse grit sandpaper, so that it is flush with the fender. Smooth the Bondo using a piece of coarse grit sandpaper. Once finished, the patch should be seamless.


7. Buff the patch vigorously with a buffing pad. Use a firm, rapid circular motion with the pad for best results. Once the area has been sanded and buffed, it is ready to receive a new coat of paint.

Tags: duct tape, coarse grit, coarse grit sandpaper, container Bondo, dirt grease