Bondo and Re-cutting T-Molding Groove

[ZTylerDurden717]

Hey guys,

Fortunately the implied topic name doesn't mean I have to re-cut my t-molding groove, but I am curious to know the technique you all use if I gotta do this in the future for restoration.

I've seen veterans around here suggesting bondo filler over the t-molding grooves and re-cutting.  Can someone be a little more specific?  Bondo has pretty high viscosity so it's not gonna "flow" into those grooves and seal the gap completely.  I feel like the best you can do is cover the gap in a thin layer of bondo.  Is that layer thick enough to handle the blade cut and rubber mallet hits?  I'd really like to know what you guys do.

Thanks!

[lilshawn]

I'd shoot some urethane construction adhesive like PL premium 3x in there, smooth it and try again.

bondo is a little iffy to me... too hard for my liking... seems likely to chip or pull out on you when you re-do the slot.

urethane is hard, but still flexible and will give a bit... sticks like baby crap to a wool blanket.

[opt2not]

Bondo can work well, but you have to 'force' it into the groove. You're right, it won't flow fluidly into it. I just take a spatula or paint spreader and push it down, then re-pour on top. It should be good to go then.

Alternatively, I've had some successes with Wood Filler in the slot and re-cutting. You just gotta pack the filler into the crevices as well as you can, and really make sure it's dried/cured before you re-slot it.

[Mike A]

Wood glue mixed with sawdust.

[opt2not]

Wood glue mixed with sawdust.

 

That's right! I remember you mentioning this to me a while ago. I never tried it, but that sounds like a good solution.

I've got some fresh t-molding for my DK Jr cab coming today, and I know that once I pull off the old t-molding it's going to leave the grooves wider for the new t-molding to properly hold down. I'm not a fan of gluing or stapling t-molding down, and would rather it hold like it should normally.

Glue+sawdust then re-cut the slot sounds like a good plan.

[ZTylerDurden717]

Excellent, all good suggestions although sawdust+glue does sound like a practical and working solution.

Sprinkling and spreading glue and sawdust probably takes hell of a lot of patience though for two full sized panels.

[bperkins01]

and if you want to really go crazy... epoxy and sawdust..  If the slot is really crappy..  Epoxy sets harder than wood glue.