Is Bondo a good idea?

[4x4 rav]

hello everybody
I have a hole in one of the rocker panel. i consulted with someone who works for his relative's auto body shop: he suggested that using Bondo to fix holes and such, was a waste of time because it wouldn't last long. i thought maybe he said that because he was in the autobidy business and he was trying to sell me.
When i visited his autobody shop for an estimate, his brother gave me an excessive estimate.
My plan was this: since i own a a grinder, i could grind out as much rust as possible, and apply Bondo with the "mesh like fabric" to close all holes. This should last 4 years if done right. am i wrong?
This dude claimed it wouldn't last a month. I didn't believe him.
I need you opinions, guys!
thanks.

[4x4 rav]

Fellas...
how about it, Bondo, will it last if used for body works?

[vanib]

After grinding out as much as you can, use POR-15 paint on top of exposed surfaces. It will then never rust even if your bondo somehow fails.

[Carbon]

Your Bondo work should last fine. In addition to grinding you will bend in the edges some with a ball peen hammer to give some space for the Bondo over the ground metal. It will be the painting that may have problem lasting.

How to Bondo Fiberglass Mat and Resin for a Body Repair | eHow.com

[kevcules]

Bondo will never last 4 years but it will definitely last more than a month. After a year, plan on "touching" up your work.
The proper way to repair your hole is to grind out all the rusted pieces and weld in a new piece. It will last a long time and look better. BUT....that costs money and we all don't have money to burn so bondo away if you're OK with how it looks.

[RTexasF]

Ask another body shop or two how they would repair it and what their guarantee would be.

[4x4 rav]

Originally Posted by RTexasF

Ask another body shop or two how they would repair it and what their guarantee would be.

RTexasF,
can you answer my other post?

[4x4 rav]

let me clarify the post on Bondo:
i wanted to repair the holes using Bondo, to cut cost.
the person i consulted ( asked for his opinion because i knew he worked at a bodyshop), advised me against Bondo, suggesting that the only way to fix the holes was by welding. i drove my car to his bodyshop, and his brother who owned the bodyshop gave a steep price for the estimate ( welding and paint).
i think Bondo can fix the holes. Besides, if the Bondo job last 4 to 5 years, i'm happy.

[RTexasF]

My point was if two or more different body shops tell you that bondo is fine and they will guarantee it for five years then you have your answer.......go jack with it yourself. If both of them say it won't work and it needs welding then you also have your answer. Sooooo I DID answer your "other" question.

[kruzzzn]

There is filler that has resin and fiberglass strands in it that is stronger and will last longer and resist absorbing moisture.Common name is gorilla hair.There are different brands .You mix it with hardener like regular bondo.