inspecting body work

[pondking]

Does anybody recommend a method for checking my cars complete body work?

 

 

I've seen magnets used 

 

a friend told me about spraying a thin coat and spreading it across 

 

???

[MikeRL411]

A thin coat of what ?  Pixie dust?  Magnets are the "classic" method to detect thick Bondo coats.

[Dantheman]

There is a gauge you can buy at the paint shop that measures the thickness of build. It won't tell you if it is bonds or heavy primer build but least you get some knowledge.

[yenpit]

A weak refridgerator/tool box magnet (with some kind of advertisement on it) works well, and you simply allow the magnet to make contact on the sheetmetal........it should go "thunk" to the car, showing that there is metal back there.  But also keep in mind that even a good quality welded patch can require a skim of bondo to smooth out the surface, thus showing that bondo was used, possibly making the magnet not stick.  I always look for factory spot weld "divits" along fender lips and lower rocker/sill panel joints, as those "divits" are very often skimmed over with bondo during body work.  If you see & feel the divits, then less chance of shody body work......no divits, always look closer!  Always look at the flat horizontal surface where a rocker/sill panel "rolls under" the car, as many body guys neglect to sand bondo smooth under there.  It's mind boggling how often I find a wad of bondo along a lower edge like that, AND lack of new paint laid down!!  Always keep in mind that some sellers don't want somebody poking a magnet along their car, so respect that by asking first, and ALWAYS LIFT THE MAGNET OFF, do not drag it along the car, as it can scratch the paint!  Hope that helps!

[MikeRL411]

Or use a piece of Saran Wrap against the sheet metal.