Is a patch so bad?

[CampSayler]

We have some holes where the antenna used to be and I placed an order with InlandRV for rivets, sealer & a piece of aluminum. My question was going to be should I cut the aluminum in a circle (rivet holes are in a circle) and try to rivet into existing holes...but after reading other posts, now I have to ask is a patch that bad (some have said you should not patch, but rather replace entire panels)?

I have never popped a rivet and old man winter is coming, so I'm probably going to patch anyway. Yes, I am too chicken to do an entire panel. Anyway, I also read you should drill fresh holes for new sheet, but doesn't that double your chances for leaks?

I was going to coil the old antenna cable in between the external & internal skin...just in case. Any input or tips would be much appreciated.

Laurie

[markdoane]

I think shape of the patch is a matter of the size and personal taste. If its over 4", I would use a square or rectangular piece with 1/2" radius corners. The patch should overlap any old holes by 1". I don't think you should use the old holes, just use adequate sealer. Use rivets about 1" apart and 1/2" from the edge. Make sure you flatten or file down any tool marks on the edge of the patch.

[Paul Mayeux]

I encountered this same dilemma with the Overlander. I used the Olympic rivets to go in the screw holes and for the two larger holes I went to PepBoys and bought some chrome hole plugs ( I think they were either 5/8" or 3/4") and popped them in. It was easy and they are not very obvious.

If the patch IS going to be obvious, why not make it interesting and make it in the shape of something that you like. A profile of a face, a star, a crescent moon, the shape of your hand. Anything other than a square or circle.
JacK

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by Craftsman

If the patch IS going to be obvious, why not make it interesting and make it in the shape of something that you like. A profile of a face, a star, a crescent moon, the shape of your hand. Anything other than a square or circle.
JacK

Now I really like that idea! Make it in the shape of your home state, unless you live in one of the square states (or Hawaii or Maryland).

[RivetED]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Now I really like that idea! Make it in the shape of your home state, unless you live in one of the square states (or Hawaii or Maryland).

I'm kind of partial to Texas!!

[bake315]

But whaddifya live in D.C.? It's Taxation without Rivetization, I tellya!

[markdoane]

Dave, if you're in DC you're just a boil on the backside of Maryland. See Maryland exclusion.

If you are from Texas, I guess a small Texas patch would be ok, if it's up high and unobtrusive.

[bake315]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Dave, if you're in DC you're just a boil on the backside of Maryland. See Maryland exclusion.

If you are from Texas, I guess a small Texas patch would be ok, if it's up high and unobtrusive.

Though I've driven through a few times. Place drove me crazy the first time through - goofy as the roads are - everytime I thought I was getting up on a freeway out of town, the freeway would end in a rough neighborhood.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by coriolis1

- everytime I thought I was getting up on a freeway out of town, the freeway would end in a rough neighborhood.

I got lost on one of those 'traffic circles'. What a waste of asphalt! You think they'd put in a stoplight like normal people. Too European for my taste!

[dmac]

I suggest finding a replacement antenna that has matching holes. Much easier than a new skin, looks better than a patch, and provides a function!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Dave, if you're in DC you're just a boil on the backside of Maryland. See Maryland exclusion.

If you are from Texas, I guess a small Texas patch would be ok, if it's up high and unobtrusive.

Rather than trying to cut aluminum in the shape of Texas, why not cut a big star and use that?
Terry

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by argosy20

Rather than trying to cut aluminum in the shape of Texas, why not cut a big star and use that?
Terry

Terry, in hurricane riddled Florida,

Don't go there. Florida is right after Alaska on my list of "States That Make Poor Patches" Too much panhandle, and its impossible to cut around Key West.
I guess in your case we could use an orange, but round shapes have been excluded from the approved patch shape list.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Don't go there. Florida is right after Alaska on my list of "States That Make Poor Patches" Too much panhandle, and its impossible to cut around Key West.

You could always use extra rivets to simulate the Keys...
Terry

[Tin Hut]

Here's a patch I made for my '67

Now thats a nice patch!

[Over59]

Originally Posted by markdoane

I got lost on one of those 'traffic circles'. What a waste of asphalt! You think they'd put in a stoplight like normal people. Too European for my taste!

I did hear there is a bunch of them that want to change over to the Euro to make things easier for the accountants at the UN during fraud seasonl.

How about a nice flag patch.

[Ken J]

When considering patches, don't forget reflectors, lights, vents, emblems or fake doors.

Ken

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Ken J

When considering patches, don't forget reflectors, lights, vents, emblems or fake doors.

Ken

Fake doors, like the fake tunnels Wyle E. Coyote used to get tangled up in? That could be entertaining, especially after quaffing a few drafts.
Terry

[john hd]

a long time ago, i remember a former forum member that siliconed a stainless steel salad bowl over the antenna holes as a temporary repair!

john