How long can filler repairs last for?

[general_piffle]

If done properly that is by a good shop. I've got the classic MK3 rust spot (about 2 inches long X 2 inches high) on the bottom left-hand corner of both passenger and driver doors (3 door model). Drainage holes in the doors are clear but the evil rot has got in anyway. Also a rust spot (about the size of a 1p) on the tailgate just below the glass.

I don't know whether to get them done with filler by a local body shop with a good reputation (because I've got no idea how long such repairs will last for and I intend to keep the car for a few years). Or try and find someone who'd replace the rotten bits with metal, although I've a feeling this would be much more expensive.

Any advice gratefully received, thanks 

[Jack3559]

If you grind the rust back and treat the area really thoroughly you should be alright almost permanently with a really good quality filler.

[general_piffle]

If you grind the rust back and treat the area really thoroughly you should be alright almost permanently with a really good quality filler.

Cheers Jack that's good to know. I thought or at least thought I'd read somewhere that filler repairs were only a temporary fix and you could expect to see them go again at some point. So I appreciate your feedback.

[chiefwhosm]

I've got the classic MK3 rust spot (about 2 inches long X 2 inches high) on the bottom left-hand corner of both passenger and driver doors (3 door model). Drainage holes in the doors are clear but the evil rot has got in anyway.

I'm interested in how you fill this myself as my front doors on my 4-door have the exact same holes.

My original fix was to buy a complete golf mk3 to rip apart, but the other car is in too good a condition really to go butchering it like that

[MotorPsycho]

Its not a repair, it's a bodge. The only way to repair rust is to cut it out and replace with fresh metal, otherwise it'll just keep rotting out under the filler and spread. This is why so many mk1s, mk2s, beetles and buses are sh!t boxes

[madmanmart]

Its not a repair, it's a bodge. The only way to repair rust is to cut it out and replace with fresh metal, otherwise it'll just keep rotting out under the filler and spread. This is why so many mk1s, mk2s, beetles and buses are sh!t boxes

Yep as above.

If you bodge it with filler it will come back very soon.

[Wayne]

As posted, any rust needs cutting out and replacing with fresh metal.

[chiefwhosm]

Well obv. it's a bodge repair and normally I personally would stay clear of filler, but when money is tight and you only need it as a temporary repair I can see the attraction. Reason I asked is that lower corner seems a tricky place to use filler on, but then I've never used the stuff so wondered how it would be done.

Actually I've been burnt by a garage using filler to repair sills with in the past.

[MotorPsycho]

Probably cheaper and easier to find a second hand door in colour from a scrappy or someone on here breaking one really mate. Just creating more work and costs further down the line with a 'temporary repair'.

Do it nice or do it twice