biotic

I just bought an 89 civic si. I am about to sand it down and bondo it. Are there any good links that I can go do that will explain to me how to do it? I am getting a professional to do the paint part.

Biotic

Tankard

If i'm not mistaken, my Haynes automotive repair manual tells you exactly how it's done, if you've got one of those. We've got one for every car we have. If you bought an 89 car, you'd be smart to go ahead and get you one. They come in handy when you get stuck doing something.

biotic

I will go pick up one of those Haynes manuals. Could someone post what I will need to start sanding my car? I have looked a LOT of places and cannot find any good DIY instructions on how to get started. I want to do everything right.

Biotic

biotic

I know that I need a breathing mask (heath reasons) and sand paper. What tool do I need to to use the sand paper and what kind of sand paper? Can this part of the prep work be done outside? I don't have a garage.

Biotic

StreetRacingCRX

I do body work so I give you tips. You need a couple sheets of 360 grit and 400 grit for wet sanding, a bucket, and a sponge. Also 120 grit for the power sander if you have one other wise have a nice time trying to mess with the bondo. On bumbpers you have to use flexiable primer. I can go on and on

biotic

Thanks for the reply Tankard. I will try to get some pictures of the car that I just bought. The engine is blown but the body is in great shape. I ran a vehicle history report on the car and it has never had a wreck. Other then the blown engine it's perfect. Tankard, can you recommend any books that I could pick up to learn how to sand the car properly? I want to do all the prep work myself. Also, I am looking for a B16A engine. If anyone know's where I can buy a used one, (preferrably 35k miles or less), I would appreciate the tip. I know that I can order one from hmotorsonline.com but I am a bit hesitant about buying something from Japan and getting it here and it not have everything I need. I would hate to have to send it back considering it would cost me shipping. Any suggestions on a local place in the USA? Any suggestions would be a great help. Thanks!

Biotic

mistacee

Bondo = :down:

Here in NY the only way to fix it right is cut it out and replace with new sheetmetal,depending how bad it is.Anything done with bondo lasts maybe 1-2 yrs around here.

StreetRacingCRX

Im telling you follow my steps, because no book is going to tell you the things I know

biotic

Streetracing CRX, tell me the exact steps to get a car prepped for paint. If you could make out a list for me I would appreciate it. The list of tools that I will need would be helpful too. Thanks.

Biotic

EDIT: I'm not bondoing. I'm sanding only.

Tankard

Any book out there on sanding and bondo will tell more than the following.

Sorry, but i can't recommend any books. I mostly learned, what little i do know about body work, from actually watching people do it. You could probably search the internet and get some good articles on how to. You can find out just about anyting on the internet. Also, if i'm not mistaken, the directions on the can of bondo will give you some of the info you'll need. Getting a body to look good for painting takes a lot of time, practice and know how. There was a post above, not to use bondo. That's the only thing i've ever seen people use to cover small dings with, while prepping for paint. I also fixed huge dents in some of my cars with bondo, after drilling holes and pulling with a dent puller. Yea, i'm sure if you wanted it to be perfect, you would need to replace the whole door, fender, etc.