prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 14, 2016 16:02:33 GMT -8
Tips, links to videos, or former threads that address patching tiny holes in the aluminum skin and door left behind by screws, etc and for patching larger holes (approx 2"X1" or so) in the skin. Camper does not have to be/look perfect. I'm going for safe and useable.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Feb 14, 2016 17:36:20 GMT -8
I use either JB Weld for small holes or regular Bondo for larger ones. Both are sandable.
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desertair27
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Post by desertair27 on Feb 14, 2016 18:02:42 GMT -8
I've used rivets before to seal holes as well.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Feb 14, 2016 20:00:59 GMT -8
I used JB Weld, the putty type, in over 100 bullet holes. They are not perfect, some look better than others because I took more time sanding, refilling, resanding. But they have held up well now and no more holes! Also, sometimes, depending on where the hole is, just putting a screw in it with some clear gutter seal behind/around it can look OK.
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chriss
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Post by chriss on Feb 14, 2016 20:23:18 GMT -8
This may be hack, but I used foil tape to patch a gash on unpainted aluminium. It was supposed to be temporary, but it's been holding tight for 3 years now. My thought is to eventually put an exterior outlet at that spot.
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Post by vikx on Feb 14, 2016 20:53:00 GMT -8
Round vents work well to patch. Use putty behind and a couple of screws to attach. Use waterproofing tape on the hole beforehand and it will never leak. If the skins are off, put the tape on the back side as well.   Soffit plugs work well but be sure they are not the indented kind. Cut the back portion off and file smooth, which will give you a flat round patch. They come in sizes from 1" to 4". |
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 15, 2016 4:10:19 GMT -8
I use either JB Weld for small holes or regular Bondo for larger ones. Both are sandable. You can use bonds on a "big" punch hole? It is about 2" long and 1" tall. Do you have a video of how to use both of those products? (Do I even need a video, or are the directions on the package or online sufficient?). again, thanks all. |
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prettywoman0172
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Post by prettywoman0172 on Feb 15, 2016 6:31:35 GMT -8
Also, there seems to be two pretty big patches (5x5 at least) on the outer skin. They appear to have been there for a while and I do not think the they look too bad. Leave them?
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chriss
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Post by chriss on Feb 15, 2016 6:53:42 GMT -8
If they aren't leaking, leave them be.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Feb 15, 2016 7:40:37 GMT -8
I use either JB Weld for small holes or regular Bondo for larger ones. Both are sandable. You can use bonds on a "big" punch hole? It is about 2" long and 1" tall. Do you have a video of how to use both of those products? (Do I even need a video, or are the directions on the package or online sufficient?). again, thanks all. I just followed the instructions and did not make any videos on it. Fairly easy thing to do and as I said both are sandable. |
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Feb 15, 2016 8:07:08 GMT -8
I'm no expert, but I wouldn't span any holes bigger than half a dime using Bondo on aluminum. To be honest, I think Bondo on thin .25-.35 aluminum is not ideal... but it does look great. People have used it on campers for years so I could be wrong. I like the ideas vikx suggested for covering large holes. It looks great with no risk of cracking. Have you ever seen cracking Bondo? Ugly! JD Weld is great on small holes. Although it's a little hard to sand smooth. On screw size holes I just use a screw.  |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Feb 15, 2016 8:26:27 GMT -8
The largest hole I have patched with bondo is on inch by 2.5 inches. Keep in mind I placed backing behind the hole also. It worked very well but I have no idea how long it will last.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Feb 15, 2016 9:08:03 GMT -8
The largest hole I have patched with bondo is on inch by 2.5 inches. Keep in mind I placed backing behind the hole also. It worked very well but I have no idea how long it will last. I also put aluminum waterproof tape (the kind with the putty like lining) behind my bullet holes. It keeps the JB weld from poking through and making a point that can put pressure on the patch. mobiltec there are different types of Bondo, did you use a Bondo that is specifically for aluminum? |
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mel
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Post by mel on Feb 15, 2016 14:15:51 GMT -8
Round vents work well to patch. Use putty behind and a couple of screws to attach. Use waterproofing tape on the hole beforehand and it will never leak. If the skins are off, put the tape on the back side as well. Soffit plugs work well but be sure they are not the indented kind. Cut the back portion off and file smooth, which will give you a flat round patch. They come in sizes from 1" to 4". Did you use bondo on that hole in the red? I remember when you posted a while ago when it happened. I did a search but I couldn't seem to find it. I was thinking about trying it out for this hole in the back.  |
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Feb 15, 2016 16:00:00 GMT -8
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