Molding Holes

JimKueneman

JimKueneman

Mopar Nut
On the Valiant I am working on I am really thinking about just filling the molding holes with filler then really seal them up on the backside with epoxy for a couple of reasons:

1) This car will only see water in an extreme case where we got surprised by the weather
2) We really want to put the molding back on someday.... IF we can find several of the pieces in good shape. This is a one year, one model molding that can take years to find good pieces.

With the filler I can find the old holes and get back through the filler to restore the original holes. Would I get kicked off this forum I did did that instead of welding them (and warping the panels for no good reason when/if we find the moldings in the future)!

What is the experts opinion on this idea?

Jim
 
Putting aside all the other reasons not to do this, if you don't cave the hole some, it will show. Either as shrinkage or cracking along the perimeter of the hole.

Me, I would zap the holes with a Mig. Filling a 1/8-3/16 hole wont warp if you do it right. Grind them flush and go from there. If you find moldings in the future, make a pattern/template first before you fill the holes so that you can easily drill them out later. Brown wrapping/packing paper makes an excellent paper pattern maker. Or measure and record the location of the holes.

Using a copper backing pad will make it even easier. Don has posted pics of one in the past. I have the same ones. They are made by VIM.

Vim copper backing pad - Google Search

www.google.com
 
Chris_Hamilton said:
Putting aside all the other reasons not to do this, if you don't cave the hole some, it will show. Either as shrinkage or cracking along the perimeter of the hole.

Me, I would zap the holes with a Mig. Filling a 1/8-3/16 hole wont warp if you do it right. Grind them flush and go from there. If you find moldings in the future, make a pattern/template first before you fill the holes so that you can easily drill them out later. Brown wrapping/packing paper makes an excellent paper pattern maker. Or measure and record the location of the holes.

Using a copper backing pad will make it even easier. Don has posted pics of one in the past. I have the same ones. They are made by VIM.

Vim copper backing pad - Google Search

www.google.com
Click to expand...

Thanks Chris, I have one of them do-dads that Don pointed me to. Quite a useful tool!
 
so what if they show . your going to drill out the filler later anyway. use vpa on both sides . if you weld them you might as well sell your trim .
 
2891E3EE-85EF-4FB8-9B42-FED5B4D66DE5.jpeg
 
I did a 66 Barracuda and the rear trim was very similar. Might could adapt it.
 
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