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

 

How long do you plan on keeping the car?

I prefer welding over bondo anyday as much as I can avoid it.

 

Ill keep the car for another 3-5 years.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I would deffinately weld it. On the longer run, you will regret bondoing it

 

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.

 

Ian,
If the hole isn't big enough we should be able to bondo it?
JPI

 

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.

 

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.

 

you don't use bondo to fill...kitty hair is water resistant and could be used

 

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