DT1 MX project

Now to bodywork the tank and get it ready for paint. Here is the body filler, self etching primer, and denatured alcohol.


3M sandpaper.


I use Meguiar's backing pads for the sandpaper.


I cut up a plastic coffee can for mixing and spreading the filler.


First the tank is wiped down with the alcohol to clean it, and gets wiped down in between the processes.


Since I had sandblasted the tank, I hit it with some sandpaper which highlights any low spots. Here are a couple on the top.


Here is the biggest dent on the front.


Here is one above the left tank badge. Sometimes dents can have high spots around the edges, and if so they can be tapped down with a body hammer.


Now it is ready for body filler.


I use a metal file on the filler before it completely sets up to reduce the amount of sanding later. You just lightly go over the filler to take off things like ridges left from the spreader. 


I use 220 grit on the filler once it is set. Sometimes you'll need to put on more filler, and keep working an area, using your fingertips for feel of how it's going.


After the body filler is good, then a coat of the self etching primer.


Lastly wet sand the primer using 400 grit and look for any areas that need more work. If you break through to bare metal just spot in with more primer. Even something like a tiny pin hole in the filler that the primer didn't fill will look like a moon crater once the paint goes on, so this is where you want to get up close and nit-picky. Once it is all good it is ready for paint.