djinuk 2 Posted June 28, 2009 (edited) One thing that has worried me is towards the back of the roof i have 3 very small holes (not sure what caused this) its solid around the holes, question is how do i attack it, i dont think it can be welded due to roof warping, i cant get underneath is as there is a stenghting bar right in the way so thats not possible. Advice & suggestions Edited June 28, 2009 by djinuk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul_13 212 1 Cars Posted June 28, 2009 Looks like someone's tried screwing the sunroof trims down from the inside?! Have you taken your sunny out? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimistdt 1 Posted June 28, 2009 It is difficult to work out where it is, its the centre of the roof near the boot isn't it? Looks like there's been some soet of spoiler there. I'd be tempted to rub it back, protect it and bodyfill it and rattle can it. If you take your time it could look alright. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
omega 82 Posted June 28, 2009 think someones had a aerial on there 2holes for the mounting and 1 for the lead Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djinuk 2 Posted June 29, 2009 yea its right towards the back of the roof in the center, the holes were originally tiny bubbles of rust, once sanded back though thats what was revealed. Cant really filler them without getting somthing beneath it you see, bit of a pain in the back side really Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djinuk 2 Posted June 29, 2009 had a bit of a thought about attacking the above with the use of expanding foam, spraying a small quantity of expanding foam into the cavity, cutting it off when it protrudes out of the open hole, and then filling over. Does it sound reasonable as its going to be a very small amount of filler or is there a product on the market that would better suit this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fenton 1,526 Posted June 29, 2009 You could weld it, you would just have to do it in very small bursts, allowing the heat to dissipate before continuing. Most fibreglass or filler options will most likely crack and fall out in a short time unfortunately. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djinuk 2 Posted June 29, 2009 damn, hmm the largest of the small holes is as big as the end of a pencil, would you plug weld it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fenton 1,526 Posted June 29, 2009 No, as the metal around the corroded area will be so thin it will burn away as soon as you show it the welder. I'd cut out a rectangular section and then make a piece to fit in. If I was feeling really clever I might edge set the long two edges so they underlap the top, and tack a bit of rod to the top so I could hold it in place from above and tack it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MerlinGTI 3 Posted June 29, 2009 this stuff might come in handy http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?pro...roductName=Cold Front (414ml)&catID=33&frostCat=Welding&frostSubCat=&subCatID= As tom said I wouldnt try to bodge it with expanding foam/gripfill etc.. then fill over, if will defo crack on such a 'springy' panel (like most of our tin foil panels are!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pugdamo 111 2 Cars Posted June 29, 2009 There is a body shop near me that does lead filling (obviously not with lead anymore) but it may be worth asking in a few bodyshops to see what they can suggest. Its a pretty common spot mainly in the very early ones though (if its just where the boot hinge goes into the roof skin),iv seen a few go there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dk73 1 Posted June 29, 2009 There is a body shop near me that does lead filling (obviously not with lead anymore) but it may be worth asking in a few bodyshops to see what they can suggest.Its a pretty common spot mainly in the very early ones though (if its just where the boot hinge goes into the roof skin),iv seen a few go there. Great idea, I did a lead loading course few years back. Thats mainly your best option, but you might struggle around the mids area, Even if you do get it done it will prob cost around a tonne to get done as the sticks dont come cheap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fenton 1,526 Posted June 29, 2009 Lead loading replaces shape lost due to dents/repair. It cannot fill holes like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gti-si 0 Posted June 29, 2009 Tom hit the nail on the head with his first suggestion IMO. There aren't really any other options unless you want to be re visiting it in no time at all Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djinuk 2 Posted June 30, 2009 No, as the metal around the corroded area will be so thin it will burn away as soon as you show it the welder. I'd cut out a rectangular section and then make a piece to fit in. If I was feeling really clever I might edge set the long two edges so they underlap the top, and tack a bit of rod to the top so I could hold it in place from above and tack it. only problem being with this is surely it will warp quite a bit from the heat of welding ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fenton 1,526 Posted June 30, 2009 Not if you do as I suggested above, and weld it in small bursts, allowing it to cool down each time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djinuk 2 Posted June 30, 2009 ah sweet ok then man, well ill have a word with my welder and see if hes up to the task,, really appreciate the help .. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Perky 0 Posted July 3, 2009 Yeah i'd cut a small patch out and try and fit it as said above, you should get away without warping the roof if you tack one side let it cool abit then tack the an inch or so along. Keep doing til you get back round to your first weld, then go round again tacking inbetween the welds. keep doing this til youve completely welded it up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
