Oil Pan Restoration

[Mark P.]

I have some small dents ( 1/8") and rust pits on my oil pan. I have removed all paint and rust and would like to know what is the best method to fix the dents and pits before priming and painting.

Should I use JB Weld or a "Bondo" type body filler ?

[Ridge K.]

Re: Oil Pan Restoration

I have some small dents ( 1/8") and rust pits on my oil pan. I have removed all paint and rust and would like to know what is the best method to fix the dents and pits before priming and painting.

Should I use JB Weld or a "Bondo" type body filler ?

Mark, since no one has tackled this one, I might offer a couple of tips.
I have seeen bondo sucessfully used on very rare oil pans, and seems to hold up OK under ther stresses of engine heat, vibration, etc.
Having said that however, how much steel in left between you, and an oil leak, in the depths of those pits.
I would at least give some more thought to the purchase of a good, solid, used original oil pan. I've picked up some of the more rare, Corvette small, and bb oil pans, for reasonable prices. Just a thought.
Good luck either way. Ridge

[William O.]

Re: Oil Pan Restoration

I am working on a 67' BB with a dent from a speed bump, I have pounded it out but it is rough and hoping to smooth it out more before using some type of bondo / compound to finish it.

Question could this be leaded in and finished instead of bondo?

Regards,

Bill

[Paul J.]

Re: Oil Pan Restoration

I am working on a 67' BB with a dent from a speed bump, I have pounded it out but it is rough and hoping to smooth it out more before using some type of bondo / compound to finish it.

Question could this be leaded in and finished instead of bondo?

Regards,

Bill

Bill

If your dolly and shrinking hammer won't get it smooth enough, you can lead it in. You can also braise it if the bent's not too deep. I have also seen an epoxy lead filler substitute, but I don't remember know who makes it and I can't vouch for it's performance in an engine application. It's made to replace the lead filler in the body.

Paul

[Roy B.]

Re: Oil Pan Restoration

I would take it to a good body shop.

[John H.]

Re: Oil Pan Restoration

I would take it to a good body shop.

That's what I've done with several "moderately abused" oil pans; working an oil pan is no different than working a fender.

[Troy P.]

Re: Oil Pan Restoration

Here's a slight variation on the original question:

My 54 pan is pitted from the inside and has some pin holes. Outside it looks great. What's the best way to fill the pin holes?

Someone suggested plastering the bottom of the pan inside with JB Weld. Another thought is to have if flame sprayed inside (not sure where one could have this done). Alternatively I suppose it could be brazed one pin hole at a time. Your thoughts?

[Steven G.]

Re: Oil Pan Restoration

Mig weld, paint last longer than on a bronze weld. No JB weld.

[Roy B.]

Re: Oil Pan Restoration

I had a pan like that once and had it lead filled inside, worked great