Should I skim coat?

[shadango]

So we have the hood to bare metal on the underside and about halfway stripped on the top side...that means we are getting close to filler and paint time, so I am getting nervous ...kinda like that goofy chihuahua dog that sits and shakes constantly....LOL 

The hood I have is in decent shape but does have a couple small spots where I know we will need to fill.

As a novice, should I skim coat the whole hood and use a "long block" to sand?

Or am I better off not doing that?

Also, I know the "durablock" product is what the pros use....but damn they get pricey when you start looking at the 16-24" ones for large panels like the hood........any cheap alternatives you guys have used?

I found that I have a pneumatic long board sander -- its an oldie and given to me some time back....2 or 3 " wide and maybe 12-14" long.....maybe that will work?

[shawge]

  I would fill and sand the known low spots, use a skim coat + guide coat over the hood to get everything near straight, then some high build to get it flat, finally seal/paint.  Or you can spray a coat of poly, do your guide coat + sanding, seal/paint.

I've used paint sticks or cut down yard sticks with paper wrapped around it, super cheap at the hardware stores. You can laminate two yardsticks together to get a stiffer "block" to prevent too much flex.

[shadango]

I would fill and sand the known low spots, use a skim coat + guide coat over the hood to get everything near straight, then some high build to get it flat, finally seal/paint.  Or you can spray a coat of poly, do your guide coat + sanding, seal/paint.

I've used paint sticks or cut down yard sticks with paper wrapped around it, super cheap at the hardware stores. You can laminate two yardsticks together to get a stiffer "block" to prevent too much flex.

Thanks for the idea about yard sticks.....!

I guess I a must a little (lot) nervous about this.....never did a real skim coat before....or blocked.......have played with filler before, just not an entire HOOD covered in it.

[jimynick]

I wouldn't skim the whole hood. Unless you're well experienced in the art- and it is an art- of blocking, you'll regret it. Shawge gave you some good advice. As for the Durablocks, I just ordered a 5 piece set. I also ordered the 24" one which was $27 Cdn for it alone, not too hideous. The rolls of PSA sanding paper aren't cheap @ about $40 for a large roll, but if you want the thing straight and flat it's the price of admission. Cross file it when you do it as well. Good luck   

[js29no]

  

[rhamson]

I have never skimmed the whole area for filler as you have to flatten areas that didn't need it in the first place. A good feel by touch is also needed if you are a novice. I only fill the area necessary and glaze or spot putty around it if needed. A good way to see how straight the body work is to wet sand the car and watch the wet areas for any ripples or waves. I have gotten that glass look far ahead of putting any finish paint on it. Good luck. Remember cross sanding is your friend.