How to keep correct Lines in the O/S of RHD when filling ?

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Glenny500, Nov 14, 2017.

  1. On my 73 bay, the O/S, RHD I have just replaced a number of panels. The front wheel Arch, b-pillar, middle panel and lower sills and also the read wheel arch. Its in primer now and needs filling, rubbing down (and it seriously needs this as the current paint work is so much higher its been caked on) and then painting. Going to have a crack at this myself as an interim job but wondered if anyone had any tips re the lines

    1. Should the line between the rear quarter and the back panel be visible, if so how deep / prominent.
    2. How do you maintain the correct thickness of line down between the panels (middle and rear) where the panels end. I expect as you fill this, you need to then mark it out again.
    3. Any good methods / tools / tips to retain these lines as they should be.

    The the last stupid question. Is it common practice to spray the jacking points the same colour as the bus, or spray them black / etc so they are less visible?. May sound stupid but have seen them done both ways and i know this is preference but wondered what the 'norm' is, if there is one.

    Cheers
     

    Attached Files:

  2. I did mine one side at a time so used the other as a reference, 1st marked the line with a marker pen then used a round file /triangle file very carefully to put the line back in where the filler had gone over it. Basically did and then did it again till it looked ok :rolleyes:
     
  3. If the existing paint is caked on, and too high ....but your new panels are in the right place, then try to rectify the old paint/prep rather than matching it.

    I'd suggest removing the old paint & filler along the whole side (you will have to paint the lot any way!) or at the minimum feather the edge of the old paint work. Go over the whole lot with a thin skim of filler and flat back so the whole side is even (avoiding getting filler in the seams).

    regarding the seams, originally there would have been a smear of seam sealer in there and then painted, so depth wise I'd suggest your new panels joins are probably correct. If you try to recreate the seam lines by sculpting with filler, sooner or later they will crack and let water in
     
    Valveandy, mjones1969, Flakey and 2 others like this.
  4. Wish I had known this last year :(
     
  5. I done mine with a marker and steel rule and then use a Stanley blade and run it down the edge of the steel rule.
    Then I cut 45 degrees each side of the steel rule to make a V, then once you had a V in the filler.
    Use a filler spreader and wrap 180 grit sand paper around the edge of it and start sanding down the V
    If that helps

    3ABD3768-9B1F-4039-AD05-53908E85DFF8.jpeg 70D9367E-F056-411B-9E7F-2E67A2FB41DB.jpeg
     
    Glenny500 likes this.
  6. Thanks. Will give that a go. Good info about the new seams as yes the new ones are the correct depth so will avoid filling them and use these as a guide to match up the old.

    Watch this space.
     
    Valveandy likes this.

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