Hey I have a question on how I should finish my truck off before paint. I'm going to have to spotweld a lot of plates in to patch the rusted spots along with filling in the smaller dents and creases from bigger dents I couldn't get all the way out. What is the best type of filler or body putty to spread and block sand? And is this the best method to get a good smooth surface? Thanks!

 

Go to SmartFlix.com and rent some how-to videos. There are folks on this forum with lots of bodywork and paint experience but it appears that you are in need of far more help than would be easily administered on a posting here. Good luck...

 

If you happen to have a locale tech school that offers night or weekend classes they might be very beneficial .

 

Thanks for the info. I have done body work just not this extensive. I can weld very well and am good with dents I'm just not sure of the best material to spread over. Am I better off with a plastic filler or fiberglass? That is my main problem. Thanks!

 

If you can weld, you don't need fiberglass.......

Cut out the rust and weld in new metal. Get it as close to straight as possible and use a good plastic filler sparingly. Filler primer will take care of any small defects...

Keep us posted on your progress, put up some pics if you can.

 

Ok thanks! And it will be a while till i reach this step since i have to rake my body off and get all the paint and rust blasted off of everything. I am just trying to get ideas and know what I am getting into. I appreciate the info tinman.

 

I use Evercoat Rage Extreme filler. It is one of the best (read, most pricey) but it is lightweight and NEVER has pinholes in it. Rage Gold is good too but it is a little thicker...good for vertical surfaces where you don't want it to sag. Evercoat Metal Glaze is the best for filling small imperfections and sandpaper scratches, works well on pretty much any clean surface.

 

Just to reiterate and add a little to what Scott said, spot welding metal patches over the rusted areas is not the proper way to make rust repairs. You need to cut out and remove all the damaged metal and solid weld in new, clean steel patches. Having a good, solid, stable base is the most important part if you want a repair that will last. Anything less and you'll run the risk of having the repair fail and having to do it over, ruining an otherwise nice restoration. Take your time and do it right the first time.