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Old 06-18-2011, 10:55 PM   #1
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1974 25' Tradewind
Olympia , Washington
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Exterior hole repair

I've got a hole in my new-to-me 1972 Tradewind LY on the back right corner. While eventually I plan to replace that panel, I can't afford that yet (I'm a student living aboard).

The guy I brought it from "fixed" it with good ol' duct tape several years ago, but I heard someone mention that I might be able to patch it with a piece of aluminum and some pop rivets. Any ideas on how viable this is? Any other ideas on cheap patching that I can DIY?

Thanks!
Erin
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Old 06-18-2011, 11:17 PM   #2
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1985 31' Excella
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With a little research and a few tools you should be able to repair your hole. You will need Olympic rivets to make a proper repair. Here is the link to some discussions on the forum.

Wes
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Old 06-19-2011, 05:25 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by erinld View Post
I've got a hole in my new-to-me 1972 Tradewind LY on the back right corner. While eventually I plan to replace that panel, I can't afford that yet (I'm a student living aboard).

The guy I brought it from "fixed" it with good ol' duct tape several years ago, but I heard someone mention that I might be able to patch it with a piece of aluminum and some pop rivets. Any ideas on how viable this is? Any other ideas on cheap patching that I can DIY?

Thanks!
Erin
Welcome to the forums. Such repairs are easy. It would help us if you sent a pic or two to show us how large the hole is.
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Old 06-19-2011, 09:54 AM   #4
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1974 25' Tradewind
Olympia , Washington
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Sorry, somehow I totally missed this section of the forums (I was a little bleary-eyed last night) and the moderator moved my thread here! I will definitely look around and post if I have more questions.
Thanks!
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Old 07-25-2011, 05:19 PM   #5
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1963 22' Safari
Pasadena , California
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clean edges

I'm also patching exterior holes from previous modifications. What is the best way to smooth the edges of the patch I've cut? I tried snips and a few different blades, but still have a bit of a waver on the edges. I could lightly hammer it out, but don't want to risk marring the new aluminum. Any suggestions are appreciated.
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Old 07-25-2011, 05:26 PM   #6
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1959 26' Overlander
Rutherfordton , North Carolina
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I have plans myself to patch a small 3/4" hole on mine with a piece. I just plan to rivet it on and shave the rivets to match, with some sealant of course. I have a cool idea for the shape of the tag but will not reveal it at this point.
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Old 07-25-2011, 05:54 PM   #7
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Smoothing the edges is best done with a very fine file stroking along the edge using light strokes and cleaning the file often....Phil.
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Old 07-25-2011, 06:00 PM   #8
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To avoid the wavyness on the edge of a cut piece of aluminum, make sure the sheet metal shears do not close completely. Cut until they almost meet, then slide them along and start a new cut. Most of the waves happen when the shears close.

pgr32e has it right to finish with a file.
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Old 08-04-2011, 06:04 PM   #9
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1986 31' Sovereign
Naples , Florida
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I have a hole the PO patched very well w/ aluminum plate (3"x6") and a rubber gasket, pop riveted into place. I didn't even notice it until the deal was done. You can do it and do it well.
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Old 10-21-2011, 01:18 PM   #10
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1957 22' Flying Cloud
Bozeman , MT
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Help have this hole and would prefer something other than another piece of aluminum and four rivets. Any thought or ideas?? Does anyone make aluminum "bondo like product" Thanks Terry tlcbuilder@aol.com

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Old 10-21-2011, 02:07 PM   #11
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AirForum sticker?
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Old 10-21-2011, 06:37 PM   #12
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Radio antenna? Or . . . look at SS boat fittings.



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Old 10-22-2011, 09:57 AM   #13
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1957 22' Flying Cloud
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Thanks, is was where someone put a TV cable wire thru. Right near front window, starboard side, so would prefer something less noticable, but a good idea. I had a couple other holes down low in back where I put the new water in and a couple 4" vent to hide holes and small damage, but was hoping for a better solution in this area. Someone needs to invent aluminum bondo that can be polished. thanks again Terry
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Old 10-22-2011, 11:09 AM   #14
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I'd install one of those fake security cameras in that hole.
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Old 10-22-2011, 02:12 PM   #15
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1959 26' Overlander
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Looks like the factory hole for an adjustable antenna.

They did invent an aluminum filler that can be polished. It's called a tig welder, a steady hand, and some elbow grease. Lol

Cut a piece in the shape of something interesting (silver naked lady comes to mind) and rivet that over the hole. Or you could always locate a metal bottle cap (favorite bottled beverage of choice) and epoxy it on there.
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Old 10-22-2011, 03:01 PM   #16
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We had an abandoned hole in the beltline of our '56 Safari...not sure what it was from, but it is on the streetside back corner where the old electric water heater used to be (the screw holes were already there too - or else they would be spaced better ). Being that we weren't going to put an entire new beltline on the trailer for this one hole, we decided to fill it with Vulkem and a 2010 Liberty Nickel...kinda like a "re-born on date" to finishing our restoration in 2010. We're not concerned with dissimilar metal corrosion, because the two metals don't touch, there is Vulkem all the way around and the screws are stainless.

Shari
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Old 11-06-2011, 02:08 PM   #17
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I had mentioned that I had something up my sleeve for a hole I had to deal with. Finally got around to it today.



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Old 11-07-2011, 08:34 AM   #18
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I had mentioned that I had something up my sleeve for a hole I had to deal with. Finally got around to it today.




I like it!
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Old 11-08-2011, 02:45 PM   #19
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Awesome patch jobs. I have a hole in the area of the TV plug in the '86 Sovereign. Looks like something heavy & sharp cut the outer skin and it was patched with a boring parallelogram of Aluminum. I think the new patch may be more whimsical than restoration minded.
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Old 11-08-2011, 06:34 PM   #20
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I used my antenna hole to get a little creative and do a little personalization. A new Metal blade for the band saw and some Olympic Rivets with some Parbond..and it did the trick.
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