Bondo Bonanza: My 1972 Scout II’s New Skin Regime

She’s back at the body shop:

Update: I talked to Tony 11/5/24 about the process. We are going to go weekly on the truck. I will go down and get updates on the process and approve the next steps. We are getting closer to putting her back together.

Update: 59.5 Hours of Body Work….

Okay, so when I started the bodywork process, my guy at the body shop estimated that it would take about 200-220 hours to get my Scout back in order. He has been working to keep me close to that number. My biggest concern is spiraling into some crazy money tsunami. The rust and floorboard repair took an extra 40 hours. Tony had figured that to take 43 hours, which took 83 hours. So I took the number of real hours from 220 – 260 unless time can be shaved in other areas.

So that means here is where we are with hours worked:

260 Total Hours
83 Rust Repair and Welding
177 – Til over budget

59.5 Hours panel sharpening.
117.5 – Til over budget

You will notice the “Sharpen” call out above the fender well. I asked Tony what that meant.

Bodywork sharpening refers to refining and smoothing out the contours and lines of a vehicle’s body to achieve a precise and accurate shape. This involves a combination of techniques, including:

1. Panel alignment: Ensuring that each panel is properly aligned and fitted to ensure a seamless joint.
2. Rust repair involves addressing and repairing rust damage to prevent further corrosion and ensure a solid foundation for body filler.
3. Body filler application: Body filler is used to fill gaps and imperfections, and then it is sanded and shaped to achieve a smooth surface.
4. Sand and polish: Gradually sand and polish the body to remove imperfections and achieve a high-gloss finish.

Update: Nov. 13th.

They are at this this week with the doors back on. I will follow up with them on Friday and update the numbers.

Update:

I stopped by to see Tony and Reed. Reed was hard at work, and it is starting to look like a truck again.

I need some parts. It turns out the rear window frame is pretty bad. I think it will take 10 hours to fix and fabricate the steel. EJClassiscs.com has one listed, but it doesn’t have a price. I contacted them today to see if they had an ETA and a price. I also need to replace the straps that hold the tailgate. I may go aftermarket, but you can get them for $99 at IHPARTS, as shown in the pics below. They look pretty rough.

Update:

I paid Tony for another 36 hours of bodywork with primer work.

So that means here is where we are with hours worked:

260 Total Hours
83 Rust Repair and Welding
177 – Til over budget

59.5 Hours panel sharpening.
117.5 – Til over budget

36 Hours prime and Bondo
81.5 – Til over budget

Updates:

Tony sent me a couple of pictures of the mirrors added.

They are installed toward the front of the driver/passenger window and the back of where the triangle window comes together. I am interested in seeing if they are installed far enough forward. My initial thought is No, but we shall see.

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