"Bondo" as a generic term

[buzznichols]

So, I'm pretty new to the site (which I already love), but I've noticed a dialogue that keeps happening. Something like this:


Member 1: I'm getting ready to spread Bondo on my (seat, tank, side covers, whatever)

Member 2: You should NEVER use Bondo! That stuff is garbage!

Member 1: What I'm using is actually (Evercoat, Marsen's, Icing, Whatever). I'm just using Bondo as a generic term to represent body filler.


Well, Member 1, good for you. From time immemorial, folks have referred to any and all body filler products as "Bondo", just as they've referred to adjustable wrenches as "Crescent Wrenches", slip joint pliers as "Channel Locks", facial tissues as "Kleenex", and gelatin desserts as "Jello."

Granted, the one big difference between Bondo and these other products is that they (the other brand-name examples) are about the best of their respective breeds, whereas Bondo kind of - well - sucks. Nonetheless, you can go into any English-speaking body shop I know of and - although you won't find an actual can of Bondo anywhere - you will hear the techs refer to whatever body mud they use as "Bondo".

I didn't even know I had such strong feelings about this topic. Somebody pass me a Kleenex.

 

[axeugene27]

how about a jello pudding pop ....ga ga ga

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Oh! Fer fuck's sake!

 

[Cafe-Zuki]

Damn,
I use bondo, actual bondo, bondo.
I assumed because of the popularity it was the best but im young and new to this game, With that being said What is the "best"

 

[redwillissuperman]

The problem arises here since this is an "advice giving" forum for DIY (at least in theory). If someone is trying to help you solve a problem, and they say to use Bondo, you might end up with unexpected results. Trying to be accurate is part of the advice.

Walking into a body shop, they will use whatever they want and tell you it's Bondo.

Since I used to work for the worlds largest chemical product company I can can tell you that there is a considerable difference from brand to brand, and from consumer level to professional products.

Ever wonder how Honda can paint a tank 40years ago and it stands up to repeated splashings of gas, oil, paint stripper but it one errant drop of gas lands on your tank, it bubbles and smears? Same for plastic filler- shrink, adheasion, levelinging, sanding, etc all can be controlled/improved. Since motorcycles are so small compared to a car, using top quality products is affordable.

Try the helpful guys at TCP Global or your local automotive finishes distributor. Be weary of anyone selling only one line of paint since they have a biased interest.

 

[Cafe-Zuki]

Good stuff, i have always loved that about motorcycles