[daverobinson]

What is the best body filler these days?

Thanks

Dave

[novafreek6872]

Evercoat Rage Gold seems to be very popular choice I've noticed.

[302 Z28]

Originally Posted by novafreek6872

Evercoat Rage Gold seems to be very popular choice I've noticed.

Ditto. If filler with a little more strength is needed check out Marine Tex.

Marine Tex, epoxy resin, adhesives, silicone grease, engine treatment, cleaner, repair, bond, fill, seal, fiberglass, aluminum, plastics, Starboard, wood

Vince

[69 widetrack]

I agree, rage gold is an excellent filler made by "Evercoat". It is a little pricey, but like many things in life you get what you pay for. Beware of bargan, department store brands that save you a few dollars, you have a good chance of cursing the product when you start blocking a panel and it takes forever to sand. Also, I have never had a bleed back (bleed back is when the colour in the hardner comes through after you paint... rare but I've seen it happen on the lower end filler) problem using this product.

In short, I would highly recommend this product.

[mitmaks]

I like to use sealer to reduce chance of any bleed throughs, sand scratches,etc.

[69 widetrack]

I agree sealer will minimise your chances of getting bleed through and help with any sand scratches that might show up. However, any time i do any type of major restoration I work diligently on the prep, the whole car is primed, sanded with the proper grit and go right to paint. The reason for this is that I feel the base will lay down flatter and give you a better shot at a flat, shiny clear finish. Also, the longer your in the both the more chance of getting dirt in your paint... don't get me wrong, sealer does have it's place.

[timothale]

My older brother is 79, doesn't finish cars as fast as he used to, He says he uses marine grade filler that won't absorb moisture and start rusting underneath since sometimes the cars will sit for a while as he takes a vacation to go visit his grand kids,

[302 Z28]

Originally Posted by timothale

My older brother is 79, doesn't finish cars as fast as he used to, He says he uses marine grade filler that won't absorb moisture and start rusting underneath since sometimes the cars will sit for a while as he takes a vacation to go visit his grand kids,

That is what Marine Tex is.

Vince

[AutoGear]

I like the Z-grip myself. Not as expensive as some of the other fillers, but much better than my Dads OG Bondo brand. If I have it, I'll put the Rage over the top, it seems to finish a bit nicer and seems to sand easier by hand. If you're using a primer with some fill to it, I wouldn't worry. YMMV

[mr4speed]

I will second on the Z grip filler as that is all I use. Spreads on nice and smooth and sands pretty good too, and not as expensive as the rage extreme.

[deadbodyman]

Pretty much all of evercoats products are great and you cant go wrong...
I prefer Z-grip along with ez sand finishing putty,a very good combo.
On restorations (only) I'll strip to metal then epoxy prime THEN do the filler work...

[AutoGear]

There was a 3M filler I got to try at a body shop; apparently some rep dropped off a sample...it was amazing stuff, but no one carries it around here. QBR or something I think it was called.

[mitmaks]

Originally Posted by 69 widetrack

I agree sealer will minimise your chances of getting bleed through and help with any sand scratches that might show up. However, any time i do any type of major restoration I work diligently on the prep, the whole car is primed, sanded with the proper grit and go right to paint. The reason for this is that I feel the base will lay down flatter and give you a better shot at a flat, shiny clear finish. Also, the longer your in the both the more chance of getting dirt in your paint... don't get me wrong, sealer does have it's place.

To make a paint job stand out from the rest, I'll seal it and then wetsand sealer followed by paint and clear.

[69 widetrack]

Originally Posted by mitmaks

To make a paint job stand out from the rest, I'll seal it and then wetsand sealer followed by paint and clear.

Yes mitmaks, that will work, and yes you will have a flat finish for your paint. It may be one of those preference things. I prefer to use my primer as a ground coat, I pay close attention to detail regarding what's under my primer. What you are suggesting, there is nothing wrong with that.