[WolfDawg]

Ok, all...

The !@#$%^ joker that owned my Jeep before me cheaped out and rather than buy the 25.00 windshield channel to put on the bikini top RIGHT, just drilled into the front of the windshield frame and screwed the thing straight into the front.......way to go, right?

Anyway....I'm looking for a cost-effective way to repair these holes so they don't develop rust (the jeep is currently rust free otherwise...) and so I can finally get the bikini top on the correct way, ie, install the windshield channel through the top of the frame like it should be...

So..my question is, how can I fix these drill holes in the front of the frame?

Thanks!
WolfDawg

[Slawth]

weld them closed and grind smooth is the best fix but makes more work for you, and if you don't weld that does not really help.

I use this stuff quite a bit:SmoothOn Metalset A4 and it is strong as ****. It would perform very well in this application.

[Bigbob]

Originally Posted by WolfDawg

I'm looking for a cost-effective way to repair these holes so they don't develop rust So..my question is, how can I fix these drill holes in the front of the frame?

Thanks!
WolfDawg

Cost effective can mean a couple things in my language. The best way to fix them for a long term repair is to weld, grind, re-finish the frame as already mentioned. But that may or may not be cost effective for you. Are the holes all evenly spaced or just hodge podge drilled in the frame? If they were even I'd put a dap of good primer in each hole with a Q-tip or small brush. After the primer dries put a dap of paint in each hole and screw a stainless steel screw into each hole. Of course if the holes he drilled are all uneven and such that would look like a dogbutt.

[WolfDawg]

Well, that's something I don't know how to do....but I know a guy....so basically the holes need welding closed and then grind, prime, sand, and paint over 'em, right?

Maybe that won't cost much...sounds like a job for a pro.

No, the holes are all over the place...looks like the guy misjudged his measurements a lot...there's probably 15 holes in the front of the windshield frame for 7 holes in the bikini top....so, it will need fixing "right"...

Thanks, guys....that's what I needed to know.
Later!
WolfDawg

[Dace]

Or you could use a re-inforced fiberglass plastic filler (tiger hair). Just make sure you dimple the holes in first befor filling them. Sand smooth, prime and finish.

[Bigbob]

Originally Posted by Dace

Or you could use a re-inforced fiberglass plastic filler (tiger hair). Just make sure you dimple the holes in first befor filling them. Sand smooth, prime and finish.

This is a great product and would work very well. Ditto on dimpleing the holes. I would make sure to sand the paint off first as well. It's also known as Kitty Hair. The only issues I have had with it is getting a real smooth finish on it may require a skim coat of poly filler. The Kitty Hair is somewhat pourous and primers usually don't fill all the inperfections. But the stuff is tough and does not crack like Bondo can.

[Dace]

True about the porosity. What I do is mix plastic filler as you normally would and add about 10% of fiberglass resin (with out the hardner). It turns the filler into a glaze and you apply that over the tigerhair after your done sanding it. Gives a nice smooth apply and flows into any imperfections in the hair. Then sand to finish.

[WolfDawg]

Cool deal, guys....that TigerHair stuff is exactly what the shop here in town was talking about using on it, so I'll make sure they know about the porosity....

Although, I went online last night and bought some of the SmoothOn Metalset, too....if you had the choice, which would be better and last longer for this application? 'Cause that stuff's on the way, and I've got a date with the body shop next week for the work...they're quoting me about 150 bucks for the job....does that sound about right? I admit, I'm an idiot when it comes to most of this stuff...