Trim removal - need some tricks and tips

[daschlag]

I just bought a '77 3/4 ton 4x4 work truck (original post: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=20090.0) and all the trim had been removed, but all the clips were still in, just getting rusty and looking like crap.  So yesterday I spent about two hours getting all the old clips out.



Now, of course, there are a bunch of holes in the body and I'm debating the best way to close them up.  Keep in mind, this is a work truck and won't be restored.  At best, someday I might want to blast it with a coat of primer just to slow the cancer.  Anyway I'm looking for any creative ideas for how to seal the holes and make it look OK, but mostly just keep water out of the body panels (I'm in Seattle and it rains constantly).

So far I've considered sanding + bondo + Duplicolor spray paint, but that's probably too much work for what I'm trying to accomplish.  Also thought of just putting some little black rubber plugs in there.  Anyone have any ideas?

[Grim 82]

Use a welder.

[Blazin]

If you want quick the rubber plugs will do it!

[bake74]

     Welder, bondo, or old school using lead, either way do your self a favor and save headaches in the future, use a small rounded punch and divit each hole before you fill them in, easier to fill and way easier to make flush with the body lines again.

[daschlag]

Thanks for the tips, guys.  While I understand that a welder would be the right way to go, I neither have a welder nor skills to use one, and I'm not about to pay someone to do body work on a 34 year old work truck.  The lead idea is interesting - I have some KwikSteel epoxy putty lying around that I might be able to use.  It's kind of tough to work with but would definitely keep the water out.  Thanks for the divot suggestion - many of the holes are already divoted (front fender especially) since I chose to drill then punch them out since access was tight from inside the engine bay.

Maybe I'll try one with the KwikSteel and one with the Bondo and see what works.

[bake315]

That's a nice truck for a work truck.  Don't beat her up too bad!

[daschlag]

That's a nice truck for a work truck.  Don't beat her up too bad!

Haha!  Thanks!  But don't worry, it's in my nature to leave things in better shape than I found them.  I was at the dump yesterday, getting rid of a bunch of green I had pruned out of my yard, and getting weird looks from people as I was carefully sweeping the last bits out of the ugliest truck in the joint.  As an aside, I happened to be parked next to a very nice C20 of about the same vintage.  It was a really nice rig.

[bake315]

...use a small rounded punch and divit each hole before you fill them in, easier to fill and way easier to make flush with the body lines again.

That's a great idea - hadn't thought of that one!

[bake74]

...use a small rounded punch and divit each hole before you fill them in, easier to fill and way easier to make flush with the body lines again.

That's a great idea - hadn't thought of that one!

     Your welcome, just trying to help out.