Best Method to Fill Rivet Holes

[foxtrot]

What is the best method to fill rivet holes? I know that if I use the standard body filler that they will enevtually rust thru. How long will they take to rust thru?

The only other two options that I know of are epoxy/fiberglass and maybe a bead of weld....

Thanks for your advice!

 

[custom442]

This depends on where they are and how many, if it's just a few small ones body filler won't hurt anything. Rage gold by evercoat is a good way to go. You'll have the same problem (maybe worse) using a weld or lead/metal filler if you can't get to the back and spray some rust cure.

But no, for your question, it won't rust through. or at least it'll be so far in the future you won't care.

....whenever you use a plastic filler try to follow with filler primer, it's the same stuff as the filler but in liquid form. Then your primer of choice on top.

 

[foxtrot]

Thanks dude! I will probaby use the filler then since I'm not a body guy and can handle filler!

To answer your question, the rivet holes are where the Padded top was on the back of the roof before I removed it.

 

[el_sonoma]

Don't know if it's worth it but, I would suggest using a pre-mixed fiberglass filler first.

 

[Blake442]

Using body filler over holes will result in the filler wicking up moisture from the backside. The filler will swell, and then crack.

Do not use body filler to fill holes!

If you do not own a welder to fill them properly, try a two part epoxy or panel bonding adhesive and plug them with a small piece of metal from behind, and fill over that.

 

[custom442]

I can take some pics of the trunk on a honda I painted last year, filled the rivet sized holes with body filler no problem. If we're getting this technical then he could just put filler on the backside also...

Using body filler over holes will result in the filler wicking up moisture from the backside. The filler will swell, and then crack.

I've never experienced this, don't know why it would crack if done correctly.

 

[foxtrot]

I guess that I should have stayed up later last night to read the counter-point...

I don't own an arc welder but could have someone else weld them up for me.

How about the filler that has fiberglass mixed in with it?

 

[custom442]

You don't need to weld in rivet holes, that's absolutely ridiculous. It isn't going to SEMA or being sold in the Barret Jackson. Just make sure to prep the area to be covered with some good rust cure before hand. Fiberglass filler works nicely on larger areas and esp. on fiberglass (duh). It's usually expensive and not needed for what you're doing.

The product I recommended is best for people who aren't used to doing this type of work, you could use a cheaper one like bondo, but it bubbles more and is harder to sand.

If you're worried about it for some reason, just buy some lead based solder and fill with that. Welding a small hole in the body is insane and creates too much work and room for error.

 

[foxtrot]

Thanks for the info!

 

[el_sonoma]

Yeah, probably best to dismiss the advice of a 30+ year bodyman or an auto restorer, what would they know!