QuestionHi Dick
Work is progressing(slowly)on the 64 Pontiac Parisienne.The engine is together but hasnt been fired up yet(fingers crossed)and the body work is beginning.
My friend is using tin for the bigger holes and covering with 'Bondo'.
I have heard some bad things about Bondo.
Its not a showcar,I just want it to look nice.Is Bondo OK or should he use something else?
Also,the orinial colour is white.There were five different shades of white available,but I went with 'pure white'.Will this look OK? Also,should it have a coat of 'clear coat'? The paint guy said probably not.It was quite expensive anyway.Can I still apply wax over just paint?
I realise you may not be a body expert,but I couldnt find one(one the net).Thanks!
AnswerI'm not sure what you mean by "tin", since that is not a practical thing to use for body work. Probably he is using some sort of sheet steel, which is fine, so long as he knows how to neutralize any residue from any welding or leading he is doing.
Bondo is OK to use, so long as it is no more than 1/16 inch thick, and is properly applied over a clean, roughed up surface of metal. Even the car companies use it for smoothing body problems and seams now.
Clear coat is not a good idea, in my opinion. It is very inauthentic for one thing, and it is not as durable as acrylic enamel, as it cannot stand up to repeated polishing over the years.
I shouldn't advise you as to color (I am color blind), but I suspect the "pure white" is going to be too bright, and make the car look like a refrigerator! Check out some of the automotive whites such as that used on cars of the 60s for something a little "off" white for a more authentic look. Stay away from the really pure whites like GM uses on its trucks (in my opinion). You can color sand, compound and wax acrylic enamel and get a very nice finish - it just takes work!
Dick
