Dents on the Motor Cover – Bondo ?

[RickV]

Hi, I am on my 1st partial restoration, just joined the club a few days ago.  My Vintage  (1950’s I think) Mercury 5 HP motor has some dents on the cover.  What is the preferred method to cover these up ?

Any help appreciated,

 

Thank you

• This topic was modified 3 years, 4 months ago by RickV.

[todd281]

If the dents are not too large, I use steel stick two-part epoxy. It come in a stick form and to use it you cut off a piece and kneed it to form a gray putty. Clean and rough up the housing and slightly overfill the dent. It dries in about 1/2 hour, ready for final shaping and sanding.  I never had much luck with Bondo type products, but that is just me. I have seen where others have used it and it looked pretty good. Good luck and welcome to the club.

[RickV]

Perfect,  Thanks Todd , will give it a try

[dave-bernard]

Rick also if you want to spend the money, take it to an Auto body shop.

[bob-d]

Rick, I have used Bondo, and or JB Weld with good results. I fill deep dents with the JB, and then a layer of Bondo on top. With smaller dents, I just use straight Bondo.
I rough up the area with a coarse sandpaper, and then make sure it’s good and clean. (brake cleaner).I put the Bondo or JB Weld on, and then use a palm sander for large areas. Use 220 grit to start, then 400. After it’s smooth I hit it with glazing putty, and  sand again with 400. Then a coat of self etching primer. After the primer dries another round of sanding with 600, and your last coat of primer before topcoat paint.
This is the method I used on the 10HP Johnson below. It has worked well for me.
I’m sure others will chime in.

Bob D

[RickV]

Great information Bob,  Thank you. Beautiful Johnson motor,  Thanks for sharing.  I bought a total of 4 antque motors in the last week, crazy how this hobby can hook you.  I can see my garage being filled up with these motors very quickly, sheesh.

[tinkerman]

Stay with it!! And yes it’s addictive.ive got more than I need and always looking for more haha

It's a jungle out there.

[RickV]

Thanks,  yes , neat hobby, wish I started sooner.

[RickV]

Thanks Dave

[Author]

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