I was going just to replace the door with a good one from a wrecker, but I figured why not try to repair the rust myself—even if only to get a little experience.
I pulled off the rub strip. Found a second rust spot hiding near the rear edge of the door underneath as well.
I used one of those plasticky rust and paint remover wheels, then a wire wheel.
My first mix of Bondo I used too much hardener. Began to set as I was spreading the filler on. While it was still crumbly I scraped off most of it.
Second batch I used less hardener, and it went on much better.
I sanded it down with 320 and 600. It’s nowhere near perfect, but my goal is to keep the car looking presentable. Plus it’s low on the door, on the side I don’t normally see.
No Bondo on the rear spot since the rub strip will cover it.
Done for today at this point. I’ll do some more sanding tomorrow, and then another coat of primer.
Im happy enough with it, since it’s better than the rust bubbling up. I know, I know, it will bubble back up in a couple years.
Id appreciate any pointers on the painting to finish this. Plan is to do the whole bottom section, cover the primer above, and try to blend it. Then clear to the whole door to the bottom of the windows.
I pulled off the rub strip. Found a second rust spot hiding near the rear edge of the door underneath as well.
I used one of those plasticky rust and paint remover wheels, then a wire wheel.
My first mix of Bondo I used too much hardener. Began to set as I was spreading the filler on. While it was still crumbly I scraped off most of it.
Second batch I used less hardener, and it went on much better.
I sanded it down with 320 and 600. It’s nowhere near perfect, but my goal is to keep the car looking presentable. Plus it’s low on the door, on the side I don’t normally see.
No Bondo on the rear spot since the rub strip will cover it.
Done for today at this point. I’ll do some more sanding tomorrow, and then another coat of primer.
Im happy enough with it, since it’s better than the rust bubbling up. I know, I know, it will bubble back up in a couple years.
Id appreciate any pointers on the painting to finish this. Plan is to do the whole bottom section, cover the primer above, and try to blend it. Then clear to the whole door to the bottom of the windows.
