Body Filler over SPI Epoxy

  • Thread starter moparmusclecars
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moparmusclecars

I know this has been discussed in the past, but Iwant to lay out how I am fixing to try this, and want to make sure I am following proper procedure. I stripped the panels to bare metal, 80 grit them thoroughly, and the main areas I will have to be spreading filler, I even ground with a 36 grit disc. I will be skimming much of these panels with a light coat of filler also, because this car is just plain rough. That is the only way i can get them straight. Anyway, after 80 grit DA and grinding, I blew tthe panels off and wiped them down with SPI Waterborne grease n wax. and let that sit a day (due to some areas having lead in them). Two coats of epoxy (unreduced and the 30 minute induction period done). I waited half hour at least in between epoxy coats. I understand I have 7 days to get my filler on these panels, or i would need to just 180 them and then apply my filler to them. I was going to wait at least 48 hours to insure the epoxy is dry. My concern is is there enough bite to just spread filler over epoxy now? I am assuming the epoxy down on the clean, properly prepped bare metal took care of that, but I've never filled over epoxy. For the most part I have always done my bodywork on clean prepped bare metal. I am using 3M Platinum Plus filler. Is it then a chemical adhesion going over the epoxy with the filler? I know after all filler work is done, I need to re-epoxy areas that show bare metal and move forward. Does this all sound correct? If I am outside the seven day, just 180 and apply another coat of epoxy? Sorry for the long post, just want to make sure i am following proper procedures.
 
It all sounds OK. No need to reapply epoxy after recoat window, just scuff and apply your filler.

Don
 
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Perfect Prep!!!
Up to 7 days just walk up and spread the filler or glazing putty over the epoxy.
If you go over hand sand spot with 180 before applying.
 
Sorry to bring this back, but I want to make sure I have got it right. Once I spray 2 coats of SPI epoxy primer onto the bare metal with an 80 grit DA scratch, I can apply body filler over (unscuffed) epoxy primer 24 hours after spraying but not after 7 days without re-sanding. Is that right?
 
24 hours @ 70+ degrees. I can't emphasize that enough. Temps on the epoxy need to be at a minimum 65-70 for at least 24 hours. As stated above if you go over the 7 day window you can simply hand sand the area to be filled with 180 grit and apply your filler or glaze.
 
I suspect there will be 10 answers from 10 people but I changed from Rage Gold to Rage Ultra 16-18 months ago and really like the Ultra better. Any good filler will be fine on the Epoxy as long as it is used correctly but there are differances in the way they sand.

John
 
I suspect there will be 10 answers from 10 people but I changed from Rage Gold to Rage Ultra 16-18 months ago and really like the Ultra better. Any good filler will be fine on the Epoxy as long as it is used correctly but there are differances in the way they sand.

John
Looked up ultra, it says no need for putty? Is that true?
 
Looked up ultra, it says no need for putty? Is that true?

I have had no issues with it pin holeing. It definitely spreads and sands easier than the Gold. I do know there are others on here who use brands they really like also though.

John
 
I'm using the Ultra for my restoration. I've never used anything else. And I say that because this is the ONLY body filler that I've used since this is my first restoration ever. However, I've used about half of the "gallon" can that it comes in and only yesterday I got my first two pin holes, which were easily fixed with putty. I would also say that it sand easy - at least it doesn't feel like I'm working at it too hard. So, for this first-timer, I'd use that stuff again.

The "large" holes in the picture are about 1/4" diameter; for a letter in the TRIUMPH emblem, so that'll give you an idea of how big the pin holes are (guess that's why they call them "pin" holes, huh? :rolleyes:)
 

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Looked up ultra, it says no need for putty? Is that true?

If you apply it correctly then yes. About as pinhole free as a filler can get. I've used it for several years now. Actually what we use is Evercoat 522, it is the same as Rage Ultra just marketed to body shops. $20 bucks a gallon cheaper than Ultra. By applying correctly I mean thin coats and pushing down as you are spreading. You also should mix it so that you are not entrapping air in it. Mix it like a Mason mixes mortar. Fold it over on itself. Never stir it around to mix. Thicker the coats get the more pinholes you will have. The less you press down on it as you are spreading it the more pinholes you will have. Nice thing about Rage(probably other premium body fillers out there as well) is that if you do have a pin hole you can use the filler to fill it. Sands as easily as any filler I've used in the 25+ years I've been doing this.
 
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I can't wait to get to this stage on my old car, good stuff here as always, so I keep saving these topics and keeping up reading the latest topics and questions.

Being it will be my first auto paint job and prep work, I've decided to wait and use the spring and summer weather. I've got plenty of metal work to keep me busy till then.
 
I can't wait to get to this stage on my old car, good stuff here as always, so I keep saving these topics and keeping up reading the latest topics and questions.

Being it will be my first auto paint job and prep work, I've decided to wait and use the spring and summer weather. I've got plenty of metal work to keep me busy till then.
I try to get 1 thing done each day at minimum. thats how i keep pushing forward. some days I get lots done, some days just one task.
 
The Lynn Yearwood Theory of Street Rod Fabrication. ...."Any car can be built in two years. If you install two bolts per day, that is 14 per week, 62 per month, and 730 per year." :)

John
 
The Lynn Yearwood Theory of Street Rod Fabrication. ...."Any car can be built in two years. If you install two bolts per day, that is 14 per week, 62 per month, and 730 per year." :)

John
Whos Lynn Yearwood? Is that Trisha Yearwood's sister? :p
 
Whos Lynn Yearwood? Is that Trisha Yearwood's sister? :p

Lynn Yearwood is a friend of mine in Knoxville, Tn. Lynn has been fighting a desease much like advanced Parkinsons for years. He has never given up and made the statement about being able to do the two bolts a day some years ago and we named it the "Lynn Yearwood Theory of Street Rod Fabricatiom." Lynn is finishing up a 55 Chevy wagon and to this day continues to impress me with his fortitude.

I did send Lynn a link to the forum here and told him we were making him famous. :) :) :)

John
 
Lynn Yearwood is a friend of mine in Knoxville, Tn. Lynn has been fighting a desease much like advanced Parkinsons for years. He has never given up and made the statement about being able to do the two bolts a day some years ago and we named it the "Lynn Yearwood Theory of Street Rod Fabricatiom." Lynn is finishing up a 55 Chevy wagon and to this day continues to impress me with his fortitude.

I did send Lynn a link to the forum here and told him we were making him famous. :):):)

John
right on! its stories like this that make the car community great!
 
Lynn Yearwood is a friend of mine in Knoxville, Tn. Lynn has been fighting a desease much like advanced Parkinsons for years. He has never given up and made the statement about being able to do the two bolts a day some years ago and we named it the "Lynn Yearwood Theory of Street Rod Fabricatiom." Lynn is finishing up a 55 Chevy wagon and to this day continues to impress me with his fortitude.

I did send Lynn a link to the forum here and told him we were making him famous. :) :) :)

John
Sorry to hear about your friend, it's good that he can still do something he loves!!!
 
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