Small Hole on Outside of my Argosy

[thoreaulycra]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 1975 Argosy.
I had a little mis-hap when a low tree branch grabbed a hold of my awning(while rolled up) and it pushed the porch light into the trailer and made a little hole. The porch light (little light right above outside of door) was destroyed but I bought a replacement pretty cheap.

My concern is how to deal with this hole on the outside and seal it up before installing the new light. I had a friend recommend this stuff called Bondo, any thoughts?

I will post some pics once I find my camera

[rickandsandi]

Wow, they still make Bondo? I remember that stuff from high school days. Once you post photos I am sure you will get tons of advise.

[azflycaster]

I think your repair will depend on the size and shape of the hole. Is the skin around it dented at all? A small hole might be repaired with a single rivet...

[Lumatic]

Relatively speaking one man's little is another man's gigundo. Bondo in itself will work for a little little hole. Anything bigger than say a 1/2" needs a patch. For a patch, I would rivet in a piece of aluminum with countersunk rivets. Then bondo. Some people also use window screen. Just to be sure, we are talking about a hole right? not a dent?. Pictures will definitely help.

[Kevin245]

Having not seen a picture, I am inclined to agree with Lumatic that a patch may be the preferred way to go if the hole is big. If it is small I think that I would try to fill the hole with a rivet if possible, before bondo (plastic body filler).

If the light is centered above the door like the one on my 76 I would make an oversized oblong patch. Center it over the door and rivet it in place. Then install the light in the patch center. The use of countersunk rivets and bondo would all but make the patch invisible, but I've seen some patchwork with bucked or Olympic rivets that actually look good and add character.

Please post a picture or two when you're able.

Oh and welcome by the way.

Regards,

Kevin