Fill holes for respray

[Gibbon]

I'm thinking of respraying my MA61 myself - and I was also thinking of removing the waist strips - going for that clean look.

But removing them will leave the holes in the doors and panels. What would be the best way to fill those holes. I'm assuming that bog won't do the job as it won't really have anything to bind to.

Thanks
David.

[JustCallMeOrlando]

I used some stuff called epoxy putty which is kinda like metal mend. I used it to fill the holes, sanded them back a tad and used bog to smooth it all over.

[jonra23]

It sounds rough but you will get better results if you give them a tap in with a centre punch and hammer, gives a contersunk hole with some surface area rather than a flush hole to bind to.

regards
jon

[Gibbon]

I would still be worried about the size of the hole that the bog has to fill - it looks to be about 5-6mm. Is that too big a gap for bog to reliably cover?

[jonra23]

I have had success with the fibre reinforced stuff as long as has a decent surface area to grip to.

regards
jon

[Grega]

weld hole. then file finish
although a fibreglass matt on the back of the hole (if you can get to it) and filler on top may suffice.

[JustCallMeOrlando]

Thanks for reminding me Jon, I tapped it in slightly as well, which means I could press the epoxy putty into both sides of the hole before tidying up with bog.

[Dale]

If you can get to the back of it to fibreglass it as well as knocking it in slightly then bog over the top it does work pretty well.
Welding would be ideal though!

[EldarO]

weld it if possible, youve most likely got a friend that has a MIG if you dont.

other than that, fibre glass the arse end of the hole so the bog doesnt just fall through.

Eldar.O.

[Alex]

If you like your car you will weld the holes, fillers will not only fall out, they also shrink

[nb86]

had similar experience with any body work i've done. bog works but only for a little while. sand it back and get it welded, for the little extra $$ and hassle, it will pay off big time in the long run.

[Gibbon]

Thanks for all the replies - what is it that I'm getting welded?

A plate onto the back of the hole - or the hole filled with weld?

Thanks

[Dale]

The hole filled with weld!

[Alex]

how big a hole is it? If its only a few mm, just fill with weld, if bigger then cut a little piece of steel to fit the hole and weld it in, If you try to weld up a big hole with just weld ,you'll create to much heat and warp the panel

Make sure you clean up and at least prime, wax or tar the inside of the panel after filling the holes this will prevent rust

[whatthe?]

I'm doing this to my car also. Mine have been welded up, only way to go. Just one thing to remember, the flares are contoured tofit around the strips, I fiberglassed the contours out of mine. No strips and holes in the flares where they should go would look pretty dicky!