Use a thermographic camera to detect repairs

That is a good question. I have a SNAP-ON Thermal Camera EETH310 I will test this out and let you know!

MESTUNTMAN

That is a good question. I have a SNAP-ON Thermal Camera EETH310 I will test this out and let you know!

Thanks. I have a FLIR, but dont have a vehicle with bondo and am considering a classic car purchase in Michigan, and rust/bondo is a concern and am looking for way to quickly check for body work. I was think I may need a IR lamp to raise the temp quickly, and the thermal difference in materials would shine out...but not sure about the reflectivity of paint.
This is one time I wish I did have bondo....

On a classic car you could use a magnet. Unless it’s a corvette. But proper use of body filler is a good thing over use to make repairs is a no no. Good luck hope you find something that speaks to you.

Jakob1972

On a classic car you could use a magnet. Unless it’s a corvette. But proper use of body filler is a good thing over use to make repairs is a no no. Good luck hope you find something that speaks to you.

^ this.
And a paint meter will be useful too!

That's a cool idea. I'm going to assume the steel will warm faster than bondo, so maybe taking it into a warm garage might get some variance to show up.

I have a customer with a 66 mustang in my shop. I tried it out on the fender yesterday after the sun was on it for about 20min and you can see a difference in the shading where I know for a fact has some bondo, It shows up much cooler.

MESTUNTMAN

I have a customer with a 66 mustang in my shop. I tried it out on the fender yesterday after the sun was on it for about 20min and you can see a difference in the shading where I know for a fact has some bondo, It shows up much cooler.

Thats what I suspected. I like the idea to be able to quickly scan a car, as opposed to running a magnet down the body. Some of these cars, the seller doesnt want you to run a magnet. I suspected bondo to show differing rates of thermal variances, wasnt sure about rust, but think it would still be some difference. Understanding IR imaging and reflectivity would be key. Thanks for checking!