Fix Holes on sidepanels?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Fix Holes on sidepanels?
I have a 1972 and I am beginging to restore. The previous owner(s) decided to try different mirrors and both doors now have multiple holes all over the place from all the different mirrors over the years.
Question is what is the best way to patch them? I have a Lincoln 100hd welder and was thinking about starting with that for filling in the holes, then smoothing them out and using bondo for the final smoothness.
Thanks
Jeff
Question is what is the best way to patch them? I have a Lincoln 100hd welder and was thinking about starting with that for filling in the holes, then smoothing them out and using bondo for the final smoothness.
Thanks
Jeff
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 40
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From: Squamish, BC
You could you a lap weld with backing type of deal. Put a piece of metal on the inside of the door and tack weld a few places around the hole. Grind smooth, and add fibreglass kitty-hair filler and finish with polyester filler. Oh, and if you want to go pro and make this repair last a long time, spray the backing metal with a weld-thru primer (I use 3M) and spray the inside of the door with some wax-oil or rubberized undercoating. Check if the holes have threaded inserts in them first and take them out first.
Good luck
Good luck
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Came across this article in CarCraft magazine; after reading it not sure it's all that helpful, may provide some idea's.
Not an authority, for larger holes have seen where they use a metal punch to press out appropriate size plug, slightly smaller than the repair, taking into consideration the repair hole may need to be drilled out slightly, tac the plug in place and then weld in the plug. If recall a tig was used and distortion would not be an issue.
Anyhow, had an urge to chime in, appears other members have provided good ideas.
How to Fill Trim Holes
Not an authority, for larger holes have seen where they use a metal punch to press out appropriate size plug, slightly smaller than the repair, taking into consideration the repair hole may need to be drilled out slightly, tac the plug in place and then weld in the plug. If recall a tig was used and distortion would not be an issue.
Anyhow, had an urge to chime in, appears other members have provided good ideas.
How to Fill Trim Holes
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 142
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I've used dovetailed plugs before. You can solder them in with acid core solder and a propane torch. I've used these on big flat areas before, like old antenna holes on the cab roof. It takes less heat so there's less chance of warping. Then just grind of smooth.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,077
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From: Vallejo, CA
Good luck!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 256
From: Piney Woods of East Texas
I used my mig welder to fill mine in, just have to be patient. If you jump around you will not have any warpage.
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Fleet Mechanic
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