filling in clip holes

[billbuilds]

hi
im repainting my car for yr 12 major work and i removed all the old strips that run down the side of the car, but now there in 30 or so holes that i need to fill in. i tryied using body filler but it just falls through (theres nothing on the other side so it falls through). it works ok when you wait 5 minutes before using the filler so it has dryied out a bit and stays in but my teacher said that they will just get pushed through with any little force. what is the best way to fill in these holes without using oxy torch/welding/ect. my teacher suggested a peice of wire fed through and pulled tight then glud on to give it some backing

any help is greatly appreciated


-pics of the holes - these pics are a few days old and now they are sanded back and filed the edges
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/8364/holes12sg.jpg
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/6572/holes24lp.jpg

[billbuilds]

anyone?? i need to start work again soon and cant find it anywhere

[Len]

The best way to fill holes is to weld them closed. You don't want to put filler over a hole because it can crack and fall out quickly. If you want to use filler be sure to use the foil tape method of filling a hole.

http://www.autobodystore.com/foilhole.jpg
Grind the paint about 2" around the hole then countersink the edge of the hole and apply a "good" aluminum tape (http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=3M6930&Category_Code=FM) then cut the tape so that it lies within the sunken area. Using a rounded tool (like the end of a screwdriver handle) press the tape edge so that it gains maximum adhesion to the metal then lightly scuff the aluminum tape with 80 grit being careful not to tear the tape. Apply the fiberglass filler (http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=D462&Category_Code=FM) making sure to press it into the surface so that it will adhere properly then sand and apply body filler to level the indentation.

[chris_chevy]

if u put filler over a hole then moisture can get in the filler and rust the manel so weld it up 4 sure