Argosy skin repair w/ jb weld?

[rugjenkins]

Can Jb Weld be used to repair the skin on an argosy- since you can paint over it.

Possible Action Plan: Metal patch on back of panel with JB Weld and then fill the holes with more Jb Weld. Sand smooth. Repaint.

PO was very mean to this camper and drilled about a dozen or more holes on the panel next to the door latch. Instead of repairing the door latch, He put a lock and clasp. Every time it became loose, He would drill into new metal. Now side of panel looks like swiss cheese.

[ddstech]

Pictures would help determine the best course of action.

[68 TWind]

I'm sure it could, I've used JB for years and repaired dozens of different things with it. Auto body shops now routinely use adhesive to install patch panels. Eastwood Company sells a tool to make a small flange in the body panel so the new panel will sit flush with the surface (they specialized in products and tools for auto restoration and have lot's of useful items for working on vintage Airstreams).

[boatdoc]

Originally Posted by rugjenkins

Can Jb Weld be used to repair the skin on an argosy- since you can paint over it.

Possible Action Plan: Metal patch on back of panel with JB Weld and then fill the holes with more Jb Weld. Sand smooth. Repaint.

PO was very mean to this camper and drilled about a dozen or more holes on the panel next to the door latch. Instead of repairing the door latch, He put a lock and clasp. Every time it became loose, He would drill into new metal. Now side of panel looks like swiss cheese.

Hi rugjenkins;
Look for Gray Marine Tex at local boat shop. 1:5 epoxy mix. If possible sand back side of panel flat, get rid of burrs. Prepare large enough aluminum sheet to cover damaged area on the backside. Make sure it is very flat. Mix marine tex until it is very smooth in consistency. Apply approx. 1/8" layer of marine tex onto prepared patch. Align & stick the bottom edge of the patch to backside of skin first. Using short flat wood block in a upward direction attach the rest of the patch. Wipe excess Marine tex on the back side. Be sure not to force any Marine Tex back into drilled holes from outside to eliminate voids under the patch. Let it cure for 12 hours and prep for paint. JB is good stuff but it is too stiff for such large repair. If you need a filler on outside use only EVERCOAT Z-Grip. Thanks, "Boatdoc"