Bondo - no bondo

[Russdog]

I have an aluminum boat that I repalced the transom on and had to do some welding. There are some area that need touched up a little and some holes that need filled. What material is good to use for this type work? Someone suggested bondo. I'm looking for a material that fills in voids, can be sanded smooth so when I paint it isn't noticeable, is waterproof, flexible and paintable.

 

[mfallesen]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

I've read Marine Tex is good stuff.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

Ditto on the marine-tex. It's chemically neutral and won't cause corrosion with the aluminum hull.

What holes are you left with? Porous welds, rivet holes, or what?

If it was me I might try some of the low temp aluminum fix-it rods for this, since they're weaker than aluminum welds and would be compatible with the metal...

Erik

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

You could also try JB weld ..

I think JB makes a "metal weld" also..( It might be Permatex though ).

YD.

 

[coolbikeguy]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

here ya go ...... http://www.tcpglobal.com/autobodydepot/uschem.aspx

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

JB weld or PC 11 which will both work and are cheaper then marine-tex

regular bondo will absorb moisture and is not recommended.

get the cheapest stuff that will work

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

regular bondo will absorb moisture and is not recommended.

Ayuh,... Even Bond-o says no bondo on a tinboat,....

 

[zach103]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

if you do the marine tex the grey one is for aluminum

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

Evercoat makes an aluminum filler called metal 2 metal it is NOT 100% waterproof since it contains talc but once painted it is WP. I Sands and finishes very well.


Metal-2-Metal?
Aluminum filled body repair filler for metal surfaces. Has excellent corrosion resistance and superior adhesion to galvanized steel and aluminum. Will not sag. Best known as the "nearest thing to lead." Moisture proof. Rustproof. Easily sands to a fine featheredge. Metal-2-Metal? liquid reactor included


I'm just sayin...

 

[Russdog]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

Thank you all for the suggestions.

This is going to be applied to porous welds, hairline cracks, and old rivet holes. The approach will be like patching drywall before sanding and painting.

 

[nymack66]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

You may want to consider this option also ...
http://www.aluminumrepair.com/index.asp

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Bondo - no bondo

You may want to consider this option also ...
http://www.aluminumrepair.com/index.asp

Just my opinion but if you use this stuff be VERY careful since aluminum hulls can be melted with a propane torch ..........

just to fill the gaps and spots.......jb weld is the best bang for the buck