Posted 2008-03-04 8:28 PM (#78654) Subject: Body filler use on horse trailers
Regular
Posts: 97 Location: Newport News, VA
Can you use body filler for repairs on horse trailers? Someone told me that horse trailers have more flex to them than car panels, so you could not use body filler, because it would just crack and fall out. I have a rust through spot on the front of my trailer. Should I try the body filler or just clean up and remove the damaged metal, prime and paint the spot, and then put sheet metal over it?
Posted 2008-03-04 10:15 PM (#78660 - in reply to #78654) Subject: RE: Body filler use on horse trailers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
How large is the hole? If it's a small hole you can use the putty you often find at the counter at auto parts stores, I can't remember exactly what it's called but it's in a tube about the size of a roll of quarters, you cut off the size you need and work it together until it mixes and then put it where you want it.
Posted 2008-03-05 9:20 AM (#78694 - in reply to #78654) Subject: RE: Body filler use on horse trailers
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
You can use automotive body fillers on properly prepared steel or aluminum trailer bodies. Depending on the type of repair, different materials are used. If you have rust through, the size of the hole will determine what type of repair is necessary. Pin holes and up to a dime sized hole can be covered with fillers and epoxies, anything larger should have new metal patches installed.
The types of fillers will vary from the polyester cream types to fiberglass and aluminum reinforced materials. Small holes can be filled with the small epoxy kits mentioned above or the two part "liquid metals" like JB Weld. The fillers are then spread over the repaired area to provide the smooth paintable surface.
The most important step in a steel repair is the usage of a metal rust converter. Without it, the rust will continue and the repair will fail.
These products are commonly purchased at most automotive parts suppliers.
Body filler use on horse trailers
