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Crappy Bondo Cracking

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Semp, Aug 4, 2013.

  1. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:34 PM
    #1
    Semp

    Semp [OP] New Member

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    Matt
    Alberta Canada
    Hi all,

    I bought a used 06 Tacoma TRD off road a few days ago, truck runs and drives beautifully and has low miles on it too. I got it cheaper than it would usually go for as the original owner had rolled the truck back in 08. Insurance paid to fix it, but now the repair job is showing its age... There is bondo cracking on both top pillars (Cant remember the name sorry) of the truck just before the main roof panel.

    Unless you’re looking closely at the truck, you can’t even see the cracks... and to be honest id be fine just leaving it as is if it wouldn’t get any worse, but my main concern is water getting into the cracks and slowly causing the metal underneath to rot away.

    So I’m looking for advice on what my best course of action would be. I'm not interested in having the panels pulled out and replaced, not worth the expense it would cost, I'm thinking maybe take it to a body shop and ask them to just grind off all the old bondo, re-prep the metal, re-apply bondo (properly this time), and re-paint. What do you guys think? Should I have something done right away or wait? I'd rather not spend $1500 at a shop right just yet, I’ve thought of just doing a quick fix this year just to seal it up, prevent it from getting any worse, and have it fixed next year.

    Pic’s;
    image4_e937719c554b116473dd0e67fe91674aca4c8b98.jpg

    [​IMG]

    image3_57b6d02fe697bfd598f4f3c47cb7409365c0dcfe.jpg

    image5_686d36de8ff0133af347e53fdb4cd1494f730a96.jpg

    And one of the truck just cause :D

    image2_35ecfa73e1a24d1068cd7d6b82454ae6af413878.jpg

    Thanks :)
     
  2. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:37 PM
    #2
    Agent Smith

    Agent Smith Always outnumbered, never outgunned

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    Toytec lift,FJ Anthracite wheels wrapped in BFG A/T 265/75/16's,WAAG Brush Guard, IPF 868's,sleeved fog lights
    I can already see rust under one of those cracks. You are just going to run into this again in the future if you bust that bondo out and put new bondo in. Bondo is to fill minor imperfections, not huge dents.

    The proper way to do it is to use a dent puller, pull out the worst of the dent and then skim coat it.

    How the eff did that get dented anyway, falling tree branch?
     
  3. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:46 PM
    #3
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Satoshi with FJ badge, factory cruise, factory intermittent wipers, Redline Tuning hood-lift struts, Hellwig Swaybar, Rosen DVD-Nav
    Previous owner rolled it.
     
  4. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:48 PM
    #4
    Agent Smith

    Agent Smith Always outnumbered, never outgunned

    Joined:
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    Toytec lift,FJ Anthracite wheels wrapped in BFG A/T 265/75/16's,WAAG Brush Guard, IPF 868's,sleeved fog lights
    Guess I should read for comprehension:anonymous:
     
  5. Aug 4, 2013 at 4:58 PM
    #5
    ANT2013taco

    ANT2013taco Well-Known Member

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    You will be looking way over 1500 dollars to fix it properly. If the insurance company paid for repairs it should have been reskinned and pillared, obviously someone took the money and just did a back yard repair to sell.

    If you could find a donor truck at a salvage yard that may be a good bet, especially if you will be out of pocket.

    Have you tried insuring the pickup? I wouldn't be surprised if the insurance company puts a hold on your policy until an inspection is done.


    You could always turn it into a roadster!
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2013
  6. Aug 4, 2013 at 5:15 PM
    #6
    Semp

    Semp [OP] New Member

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    Alberta Canada
    Yeah I was thinking the same thing, might have been an under the table cash deal with the insurance money.

    Bottom line is i'm not looking to have it fixed "properly" and getting the pillars and panels replaced. I agree it would be way more than $1500, more like $15,000...

    I'm looking to probably keep the truck for 2 - 3 years, maybe 4 before I buy something else again. The original repair was done in 08, so its 5 years old now and its just showing. I'd be fine with that again.

    The truck was never written off or given a salvage title, its fully insured without any issues currently.
     

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