Bodywork Bloopers
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,965
Likes: 261
From: East KY
Yeah but he kept it honest for the world to see. Lol. A lot of us have fenders with plates like that pop riveted or screwed in place. Then about a quarter inch of bondo slathered over it. I know my front fenders on my 50 weighed seemingly 10 pounds heavier than usual.
These trucks were simply tools to those old farmers. They certainly didn't care about looks. Now we try to fix what they didn't care to fix 50 years ago.
These trucks were simply tools to those old farmers. They certainly didn't care about looks. Now we try to fix what they didn't care to fix 50 years ago.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Niles, MI
My 56 had to have been originally mildly customized in the late sixties or early seventies.... the amount of filler in the front fenders alone suggests the possibility of it being used in an advertising campaign for BONDO.
I cut areas that were a quarter inch, or deeper, of filler... the front eyebrow area was filled to be completely smoothed... each fender is about half the weight they were when I got the truck.... can't wait to get a media blaster in the garage
I cut areas that were a quarter inch, or deeper, of filler... the front eyebrow area was filled to be completely smoothed... each fender is about half the weight they were when I got the truck.... can't wait to get a media blaster in the garage
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I wished I had of taken some pics of my cab corners before I cut them out completely. 1 by 4 wood, chickenwire, newspaper and 1/4 inch bondo! They used the 1 by 4 to create the lip and the wire and newspaper to form the curve. All metal now! LOL
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,888
Likes: 3,132
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
You guys ain't posted nothing yet, here's the ultimate "Bodywork Blooper". Who in the world thought this was a good idea?!! Whoever it was really had a lot of confidence in mud, he had it troweled every where. Surprisingly, the doors are very solid and no signs of mud, fronts and backs.
This Frankenstein is going under the knife today.
This Frankenstein is going under the knife today.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Geez Bob, throw a guy a little warning before you pop that thing on us. My eyes! Hoping for a complete recovery by the patient.
DW
DW
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Brett Foote
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
I never thought to take a picture of them, but my truck's PO solved the running board rot problem by slathering bondo over the holes, then pouring a 1/2-inch of roofing tar over the whole board. Getting in and out in hot weather was a treat.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 1
From: oh
Yes...I went a looked over a 56 a few yrs ago, and it was slathered with roofing tar in the inner fenders. Would have been a bear to fix ,so had to buy elsewhere.
I sold a 53 panel a while back that was bondoed pretty good. In the 60s....bondo was the only fix-all......and the p.o. must have been practicing a lost art....LOL
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,888
Likes: 3,132
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
The body filler I can remember was I think called "Black Magic". It dried as hard as asphalt. I remember my dad using it on my truck back in the early '70s. I bought a panel truck that had about an inch in the roof, hard as a rock.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 429
Likes: 1
From: Paso Robles, CA
Someone covered the entire roof and rain gutters of my 56 with fiberglass. Not only did the water permeate and further DESTROY the metal, but it's agonizing to remove. What's left of the metal goes before the fiberglass!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 54
From: Sterling CO
My college auto class (in the early 90's), used lead - full EPA up your corn hole suits and breathers. We decided as a class and teacher that we would rather restore a couple Chevelles than learn new fangled computer crud. We learned brakes front to back, ground valve seats, balanced tires, it wasn't hillbilly - nice computerized equipment, just 15 of the 16 students wanted to learn the classic work not the parts replacement that is modern.