Need advice filling 1/2" holes in a pickup body.

[sixdogs]

Are you going to patch the cutout above the wheel opening? Or install flares? I like your portable work platform:thumbsup:

Dave

It's going on the back of a '67 Ford two ton truck. Making a giant pickup.
The cutouts over the fenders will be covered by the '55 Ford wide fenders that I'm adding.


Edit--The portable work platform just happened to be there and just happened to be the right height so it was pressed into service.
.

 

[4shorts]

If you were here I'd just fill them in via tig. They could even be migged but for body work I like tig. The filler rod is softer and better to work with. If you need plugs I can punch a pile out for you with the iron worker and throw them in the mail tomorrow. You'll still need to get them welded in.

 

[sixdogs]

If you were here I'd just fill them in via tig. They could even be migged but for body work I like tig. The filler rod is softer and better to work with. If you need plugs I can punch a pile out for you with the iron worker and throw them in the mail tomorrow. You'll still need to get them welded in.

You're too generous, 4shorts. I'm going to stop at a local Mennonite welding shop tomorrow that is first class all the way and I'll bet they have a way to punch them out. Thank you but let's see how it goes. You are one of a kind, 4shorts.

I do not have a TIG welder so can't do that and am not experienced enough on sheet metal to try that. Might have that shop do it or maybe I'll practice up with my MIG first.

 

[bulldogshotgun]

if you just weld around those you will warp the crap out of those fenders, lots of tacks is the key, you want to keep the fender cool enough you can lay your hand only a few inches from the patch at all times.

honestly for any of them you can get to the back of, i would seriously consider larger patches and adhesive, modern body panel adhesives are almost indestructible, and quick. in fact thats probably whats holding the bedside on.

what part of the state you in?

 

[deereman75]

I think I would tack on the sheet metal discs, from the back if possible.
Weld around them, and if it's on the front, grind/pound the welds flat.

Once you grind flat the lumps, and cover it with all-metal body filler, it will look good, and last forever.

Heck, you could probably get away with mesh drywall tape if you used all-metal..... LOL

 

[Dr Dave]

Sounds like a cool project truck, do you have any pics of the truck?

Dave

 

[sixdogs]

Sounds like a cool project truck, do you have any pics of the truck?

Dave

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/287486-how-remove-mouse-smell-cab.html

 

[sd455dan]

Below is a Dodge dually pickup bed with the fenders removed. I'm going to use it without them.

After removing the fenders, I'm left with maybe 25 half-inch diameter holes in the body. They are all the same size and I need to weld them shut somehow. I'm probably not capable of the weld but I need the repair to stay stuck so it doesn't mess up the nice paint job it's going to get. How would these be welded? Note that a few are not accessible from behind.

Any advice appreciated.






View attachment 340790

as shield arc says get them sized correctly first- then I would use a stud gun and put a pin on each one so you can hold it in position from the outside.
also a magnet laid over the patch piece and sheet metal can be used to level the plug,- mig the piece kitty corner and then remove the magnet , finish burning it in by small welds until it is continuous
Finally cut off the (dent pulling pin) and then carefully grind the entire surface down until flat...

 

[farmer2009]

Try a spot welder (looks like a set of welding clamps). Place an oversized piece on the ones you can and spot them on then bondo smooth. Or use a fiberglass body filler. You want the ones with the two part resin and fiberglass sheet. I know it's not welding but it takes time, patience, and some practice/talent to use the fiberglass stuff just like welding. Have had good success using it on tractor fender repairs before. But requires access to back also.

Anyways good like. Sounds like a fun build.

 

[yomax4]

You could probably find thin 1/2" washers already to weld in. A few tacks and grind off the excess.