GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Bondo or weld?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-31-07, 03:02 PM
  #1  
azsc4001
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
azsc4001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: az
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Bondo or weld?

I apoligize for having so many questions on the same topic. Took my stock rear spoiler off and have had a few different estimates on getting the holes filled and painted. Most body shops want to weld, sand then paint with an estimated from $500 to $600. I found one that will bondo the holes then sand and paint for $360. My question is; will the bondo last, and is it the right way to fix it? If so, why do all the other shop want to weld? Thanks
Old 07-31-07, 03:07 PM
  #2  
RX469
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
 
RX469's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MD
Posts: 2,800
Received 48 Likes on 38 Posts
Default

How long do you plan on keeping the car?

I prefer welding over bondo anyday as much as I can avoid it.
Old 07-31-07, 03:11 PM
  #3  
azsc4001
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
azsc4001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: az
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Ill keep the car for another 3-5 years.
Old 07-31-07, 04:12 PM
  #4  
tam4G63
Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
tam4G63's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: california
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

welding and bondo will not be much different, in labor wise. Price should be the same, one shop is charging more than the other. If it was me, i would prefer welding. reguardless there going to use bondo anyways to straighten and reshape the trunk. same process. In my body shop here, i dont charge any xtra for little nick nack stuff like that. Just base price.
Old 07-31-07, 04:21 PM
  #5  
speedaddic
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (10)
 
speedaddic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Austin,TX
Posts: 4,252
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

bondo is not meant to fill holes...this is where filler got a bad name. You need to weld the hole up with metal and primer and block... Did anyone ever tell you that "bondo" is like a sponge? It absorbs water and will cause rust in that trunk of yours...don't half *** it. You or the new owner down the line be more greatful if its done right.
Old 07-31-07, 04:27 PM
  #6  
Saiji
Lexus Champion
 
Saiji's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ~626~ S.G.V
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I would deffinately weld it. On the longer run, you will regret bondoing it
Old 07-31-07, 04:46 PM
  #7  
DCMango
Lead Lap
 
DCMango's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Bondo will NEVER be perfect. Weld it and pay for the difference, you won't regret it later on (a month?) down the road. I run my own body shop, believe me, I know.
Old 07-31-07, 05:03 PM
  #8  
JPI Racing
Lexus Champion
 
JPI Racing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Ian,
If the hole isn't big enough we should be able to bondo it?
JPI
Old 07-31-07, 05:12 PM
  #9  
DCMango
Lead Lap
 
DCMango's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Honestly, no, I would never use bondo, but if you are talking pin holes and what not, then sure, it would be completely fine. But when you are talking like screw holes (larger ones), to washer nozzle holes, no way, must be welded.

Originally Posted by JPI
Ian,
If the hole isn't big enough we should be able to bondo it?
JPI
Old 07-31-07, 07:29 PM
  #10  
Joelseff
Lead Lap
 
Joelseff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: East Bay, CA
Posts: 555
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Look for another trunk and have it paint matched. Try www.oelexusparts.com they have the trunk for like 350 bucks or something. I just traded with another Black onyx but I know its hard finding someone to swap with....I say get the trunk lid from a collision yard like oelexusparts.
Old 07-31-07, 07:55 PM
  #11  
speedaddic
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (10)
 
speedaddic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Austin,TX
Posts: 4,252
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by DCMango
Honestly, no, I would never use bondo, but if you are talking pin holes and what not, then sure, it would be completely fine. But when you are talking like screw holes (larger ones), to washer nozzle holes, no way, must be welded.

you don't use bondo to fill...kitty hair is water resistant and could be used
Old 07-31-07, 08:37 PM
  #12  
LEXUS_KID
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (4)
 
LEXUS_KID's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: IN THE POKER ROOM!!!!
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Do the right thing and get it weld, it will last a long time if done right and the holes are not that big either
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lexusoarus
North Texas Lexus Club
17
07-20-11 11:28 AM
taeng
NELOC
9
08-21-08 06:09 PM
AndrewG13
Northern California Lexus Club
3
05-16-04 01:15 AM
r4z0r3ck
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
3
03-17-04 10:13 AM



Quick Reply: Bondo or weld?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:18 PM.