And a whole lotta holes

I have just purchased a '71 CJ6. Numerous, I am sure, previous owners have drill holes in the body and floors to attach all sorts of stuff. I would like to fill in the holes before I repaint it.

My questions is what is the best method to fill in the holes? I don't see how they can be welded up because you can't weld just thin air!

I thought maybe fiberglass patches on back side or epoxing small steel patches.

Oh, one more. The aforementioned previous have also drilled the dash board many times and installed non-stock gauges. Any ideas on where I can buy a replacement dash panel?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

John

 

Depending on the size of the holes you can use a piece of copper or a brass punch on the back side of the hole and weld it up. Then grind it smooth. For the bigger holes you can make little patch panels to weld in.

 

Put a thick piece of Brass or copper behind the hole and hit it with a mig welder, you will fill in the hole quickly. I did this on my grill in a few small rust holes and after grinding down the weld you could not even tell it was there.

Edit: Jason was faster on the draw then me.

 

I use a chunk of Alum. instead if copper or brass. It works good too.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I got lots of welding to do!

John

 

What about Lab-Metal? Its a liquid that hardens to metal. I've got a similar situation with holes in my '72. Anybody have any experience with the Lab-Metal, or should I try welding?


-72

 

I've never found a liquid that would transform itself into metal sufficiently enough that I'd trust it. I have used different epoxy type compounds, but only where with they wouldn't flex out and fail. I've never heard of lab metal, so it may be something to consider.
Try the welding, I think you'd be better satisfied with the results. JMHO.
Mike