Like Volkov, I'd recommend rivets of some kind, though it depends on what fasteners are currently (originally) on the exterior of the rig. If it's got pop rivets, use them; if it's got olympics, use them. (Olympics make a good replacement for buck rivets in places where it's not feasible to put in bucks.)
Lynn
I am in the same boat as I am restoring my 1969 Caveman Truck camper. Over the years there have been so many things attached to it that it now seems like a pin cushion.... I have the metal off and other than the holes the metal is in good shape. I too wonder what to use to fill these holes while its off the camper. Will the stuff used on boats that you heat in work? It will all be repainted so I dont care if it shines or not. Anyone out there use this kind of product? is it sandable to smooth down? I hate to buy new metal just because of screw holes, but also do not want to use some sort of caulk like has been used over the years. Thanks
There is a zinc wire that you can use a propane torch and weld soda cans together. You can get the wire at Tractor Supply. I believe it is called "aluminum weld". I have used it several times and it is stronger than the surrounding aluminum. You can sand, polish, paint like any other aluminum.
I suggest that you practice first with soda cans.
Good luck
Mick
TexanTravlers
Mick & Denise
2007 Ford F250, 6.0 diesel crew cab/60gal Auxiliary fuel tank
Dragging a 21' AmeriLite trailer
Our experiment in life on the road.
I like the rivets idea and I'd use stainless or aluminum rivets. If need be you could drill some more holes that are in line with the existing holes, down the length of the trailer so it would appear to be stock that way. It would be too obvious if rivets are only in the area with holes. If it were me, I'd paint it first, then get stainless steel rivets and install them. Another idea is to grind down the holes so there are no burrs or sharp areas, and then install pinstriping over them.
disregard the stainless steel rivets.....I forgot that dissimilar metals like aluminum and steel together will cause the aluminum to possibly bubble up and rust in a chemical reaction....stick to the aluminum rivets instead!
TexanTravelers wrote: There is a zinc wire that you can use a propane torch and weld soda cans together. You can get the wire at Tractor Supply. I believe it is called "aluminum weld". I have used it several times and it is stronger than the surrounding aluminum. You can sand, polish, paint like any other aluminum.
I suggest that you practice first with soda cans.
Good luck
Mick
Thanks Mick, I will see if I can find some local, might have to order it.
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