TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Sep 06, 2017 10:48 am

Hi all,

Im not sure if it's because there is so much more metal, flat metal, on a bus than most vehicles. But It seems like a lot of prep work photos before paint have a lot of body filler. It's been on a my mind, I didn't think I wanted to paint my bus, but starting to think about moving forward with a little body work. Any random thoughts in regards to bodywork and filler?

Wed Sep 06, 2017 11:16 am

electronictofu wrote: Hi all,

Im not sure if it's because there is so much more metal, flat metal, on a bus than most vehicles. But It seems like a lot of prep work photos before paint have a lot of body filler. It's been on a my mind, I didn't think I wanted to paint my bus, but starting to think about moving forward with a little body work. Any random thoughts in regards to bodywork and filler?

Body filler fills anything that is a Low Spot (any spot that is lower than the highest point), so with a large area you get a larger Low Spot and therefore more filler. This is simply how filler works to get a flat panel. That being said, the shink disks and other metal fabrication tools can minimize the amount of filler on your bus. Or just leave it a little wavy, or better yet; leave it beat to hell. Then you wont feel bad driving it.

Wed Sep 06, 2017 11:39 am

I've always gone back and forth for paint. It's an interesting body style to work with, always loved it. My paint now was probably done in the early 90's with some faux patina lettering I did a couple years ago. Maybe I'll just make it even more beat up :)

Wed Sep 06, 2017 11:50 am

It depends on how straight the person wants it. Some people skim coat all the panels. There is a big difference between skim coat and deep filler over metal that should have been worked or repaired.

I like minimal filler usually. I don't mind the bus a little wavy (they were kinda wavy new) with the real imperfections/damage filled. The little spot weld witness marks and stuff can be left alone.

Wed Sep 06, 2017 12:56 pm

Spike0180 wrote: Or just leave it a little wavy, or better yet; leave it beat to hell. Then you wont feel bad driving it.

I followed this path for my current bus and am in 100% agreement. It's really freeing to not stress out so much about scratching a beautiful and expensive paint job. I never would have considered taking my repainted Ghia offroad to go camping.

The bus with my amateur bodywork and paint? No question.

Wed Sep 06, 2017 1:00 pm

Out of every style car I've owned these look the best Patina and crusty, hands down. I mainly want to do a little body work on my driver door area. The previous owner put suicide doors on and flipped the hinges. Made the area a little nasty. But, the vulnerability with a lovely paint job... that is stressful. Especially for me living in Sacramento, people drive like crap. I've sat in my Honda Civic texting while parked and have had people parking just smack there door into my car, I get and they freak out because they didn't know I was in my car... goes to show you what people do when we're not looking. No respect!