QuestionI am finishing various body repair on a 71 Karmann Ghia. Various rust panel replacemnts and dent repairs. Have been using a sanding sealer and am having a hard time telling where I need to fill more or I am done. Do you have some tips how to check work?
Thanks
jerry
Answer As far as checking the body work, that no one can really teach you but mother experience. Lay your hand completely flat on the panels when rubbing them to check for smoothness. Don't use your fingertips to check contour, or to wet sand. Always use your hand flat, and use the palm also. Block sand the entire car with 180 on a sanding block at least 8 inches long. This will show high and low spots, and this is what a primer surfacer's job is- to fill smaller imperfections, and remove waviness. You will go all the way to steel or bondo on high spots, and maybe show little divots on low spots. If the low spots won't flatten out after sanding completely thru on high spots in the surrounding area, more body filler must be applied, and the area spot primed and blocked again with 180. It's a trial and error sort of thing when you are still learning the art of making a panel straight. This is one of the hardest skills to master, and it separates the men from the boys. Take your time, don't rush the job now, I know it's tempting, because the entire car looks ready to paint. Get in a hurry now, and I promise you, the car will grow lumps. .
Re-prime, Spray a mist coat of a contrasting color on the primer, then wet sand the entire car with 600 wet. When the mist coat is gone, you are finished sanding. Spot seal any cut thru's, and you are ready for paint. Bill
