Bondo DOWN THERE: The Finishing Touch No One Expects

Should you put Bondo body filler on a classic car restoration? Did it come from the factory that way? Many will say, there's your answer. 

Well, Craig Cole is restoring a 1951 Ford Crestliner, a shoebox model that he first found several years ago as a rusted-out hulk. Now that he's had it sandblasted, he's made a rather controversial decision to add filler to the floor of the body. Why would you do that? He explains. See if you agree!

The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.

An AI-produced summary of the transcript edited by a human staffer is below.

[Image: YouTube Screenshot]

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Summary: Why Body Filler Isn't the Enemy in a Classic Car Restoration

This video from Automotive Esoterica provides an update on Craig Cole's restoration of a 1951 Ford Crestliner while addressing criticism over his use of body filler ("Bondo") during the rebuild. 

Project Update

• • Craig introduces his latest restoration project, a 1951 Ford Crestliner two-door sedan, which will receive its original-style two-tone paint scheme:
  • Sandpiper Tan upper body
  • Hawaiian Bronze Metallic lower body
  • After media blasting, the body shell is rust- and paint-free.
  • He and his father built a simple wooden rotisserie that allows the body to be rotated 90 degrees, making underbody work much easier and safer. 

Why the 1951 Ford?

Craig explains why he chose another major restoration after completing his 1936 Ford:

• • He enjoyed the learning experience of his previous restoration, from welding and fabrication to rebuilding mechanical components.
  • The Crestliner was affordable, complete, and located nearby in Michigan.
  • He's long admired the postwar "Shoebox Ford" design, especially the 1951 model with its distinctive twin-spinner grille.
  • He notes that the 1949 Ford helped save Ford Motor Co. financially, while the 1951 model refined the formula with improved styling and engineering. 

Advantages Over His 1936 Ford

Craig says the 1951 should be much more enjoyable to drive because it features:

• • Independent front suspension
  • Open driveshaft
  • More conventional rear axle
  • Improved ride and handling compared with prewar Fords

However, it is also significantly more complex, containing far more parts than his simpler 1936 Ford restoration. 

Defending the Use of Body Filler

The central focus of the video is explaining why he uses body filler sparingly and strategically:

• • It's applied only in thin layers over welded repair areas.
  • The goal is not to create Concours-quality show surfaces but to:
  • Smooth transitions between repair panels.
  • Eliminate sharp edges.
  • Make repairs visually seamless after painting.
  • Examples include:
  • Floor support repairs
  • Seat mount patches
  • Rear wheelhouse repairs made from multiple fabricated pieces

He stresses that thin applications are durable and appropriate, while excessive filler on large exterior panels is poor practice. 

Lessons From His Previous Restoration

Craig points to his 1936 Ford as proof that this approach works:

• • That car required substantially more metal replacement and filler.
  • Years later, those repairs have remained solid and problem-free.
  • Although sanding filler is messy and time-consuming, he believes it produces a cleaner, more refined finished product. 

Restoration Philosophy

Craig contrasts his philosophy with concours restorations:

• • He respects restorers who pursue factory-perfect authenticity.
  • His own goal is different:
  • Build a reliable, attractive classic that can be driven regularly.
  • Enjoy the car without worrying about dirt, rain, or road use.
  • Focus on craftsmanship and practicality rather than museum-level originality.

He also notes that a 1951 Crestliner isn't especially valuable, so pursuing an ultra-expensive, factory-correct restoration would make little financial sense. Since the project is a hobby, enjoyment matters more than resale value.

 

Key Takeaways

• • The 1951 Ford Crestliner restoration is progressing steadily after media blasting and extensive rust repair.
  • Craig advocates using body filler correctly — thinly and only where needed — to improve the quality of welded repairs.
  • His objective is a high-quality, driver-focused restoration rather than a concours show car.
  • The project reflects the channel's broader mission: demonstrating how enthusiasts working in a typical home garage can restore classic cars using practical methods and attention to detail.

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