Bondo Meter For Pre-Inspection Purchase

[Greg Dumond]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a Tool or Gauge that reads Paint thickness and more specifically areas filled with Bondo? I'd like to have a tool like this prior to making a purchase of a car. I am always reading about cars for sale at auctions and they talk about cars that look great but have lots of issues underneath the paint with hidden plastic/bondo.

[Doug McDonnell]

I am sure some have a favorite brand of meter. A few mentioned in this thread as well as a discussion of fillers: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=42934&start=0 Read John Willhoit's comment on the 2nd page of the link 2 or 3 times. I found it very interesting.

[Bruce Smith]

Greg - Here's an article I wrote for the magazine a few year ago:

http://www.sparkingplugs.com/resources/ ... t_38-1.pdf

[Doug McDonnell]

Most of John Willhoits cars measure between 20 and 30 Mils,are all metal,and about as good as it gets, I don't plan on using a meter on either of my cars. One restored and one not restored but repainted 18 years ago. So I guess that if I was going to use a meter I wouldn't worry until thickness was over 30mils at least. Can someone who uses a meter comment on what the meter reads in a factory leaded area? A friend who is restoring his wife 65 bought it 67 told me lead was almost 1/4 inch thick in places with the thickest being where B pillar meets rear closing panel.

[Greg Dumond]

Doug and Bruce thank you for your info and quick response! Will read up on the research today. Once again this forum is such a valuable resource of information!

Much appreciated!

[Bruce Smith]

The EM2271 gauge is really quite good and less than $40 through Amazon. You can see comparisons in the article.

[Jim Liberty]

I use a small rather weak magnet. Stay away from the typical factory lead areas. The nose, tail door bottoms, and fenders are likely bondo areas. No very scientific, but simple like me.

[Greg Dumond]

Jim I'm not that familiar with the typical factory lead areas. Can you please give me an idea where those might be? I like the idea of a simple magnet...if it sticks no bondo!

[Doug McDonnell]

Anywhere there is a gap is leaded.

[John Lindstrom]

Best advice is, seriously, avoid any A or pre-A with even an 1/8” of filler anywhere on the body. So I can buy it instead.

[Greg Dumond]

Thanks Doug for the explanation.

[Doug McDonnell]

Greg enlarge the pictures of the car at Wilhoit's Open House that Greg Bryan took pictures of and you can see where it is leaded: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=42934&start=0

[Jim Liberty]

Greg, Doug is correct. The shut lines were made 3 mm. with lead. Sometimes on the body, sometimes on the moving panel, and sometimes both.

[Greg Dumond]

Guys thanks for the facts on the thickness 3 mm and lead locations (Wilhoit's Photos). Doug I never would have guessed that shading was lead. Another great factoid about these wonderful cars and the quality of work put into them!

[Greg Dumond]

Great article Bruce! VERY technical but excellent comparative and useful material.