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How to close a hole in the bottom of a car without welding

March 8, 2020

Putting your car in order, sometimes you have to find an unpleasant problem - a through hole in the bottom of the body. Some car owners immediately seek help from a car service, and others try to close the hole on their own. In the second case, you have the opportunity to save time and money, and also be able to master new techniques of car repair, which is always useful and relevant.

Holes in the bottom

Many people do not have a large number of repair and construction tools and equipment, therefore, not every car owner will have a welding machine in the garage or workshop. Actually, if the hole in the body is no larger than a matchbox, it is quite possible to close it yourself without welding. There are several ways to do this:

  • cover the hole with putty;
  • solder a metal patch;
  • cover with epoxy resin;
  • apply fiberglass and glue;
  • make riveted connections;
  • use galvanized sheet metal.

galvanized sheet

The method of plugging holes with putty

In the area of ​​the hole in the bottom should be removed damaged coating, that is, an old layer of paint, and clean the metal, treat with a special drug - rust converter. Then the work surface is degreased and primed. Next, prepare a solution of putty of uniform consistency. For greater efficiency, fiberglass is added to it (often with large elements). Then the composition is carefully applied to the damaged area. Apparently, this is the most responsible part of the job. It is necessary to close the whole hole, cracks and microcracks, which may arise around it. The application of the solution should take place in several stages, allowing each new layer to dry.

sealing with putty

To achieve maximum fixation of the putty on the damaged area, the substrate is attached to the reverse side. It does not allow the solution to spread, and act in that area, which needs to be repaired. If the hole in the bottom of the car is large enough, this method of repair can also be used with auxiliary elements. Instead of a substrate, a metal mesh is mounted in the damaged area. Therefore, the putty is evenly distributed over it, filling the entire space. After, as the solution dries completely, this area is treated with automotive paint putty. Then the damaged area is painted and a protective film is applied.

Repair of a side mirror of the car
Putty for cars

This method of plugging holes in the car is the easiest. But experts do not recommend using it, because the putty is permeable to moisture and may break down over time. Also, the holes are treated with a solution then, when repairs need to be done urgently, and there are no other alternatives.

Soldering of a metal patch

Soldering a metal element in a damaged area is a way to seal holes in the bottom or any other part of the car, when you can close a small hole. To repair the machine using this technology, it is necessary to have such tools:

  • a piece of metal sheet;
  • powerful soldering iron;
  • flux or rust converter;
  • putty;
  • primer.

Materials in the car

so, to begin with the area is cleared, which needs to be repaired, the paint is removed, rust, dirt. Then it is treated with flux and degreased. Then measurements are made and a metal piece of the necessary form is cut out. Such an element completely close the hole, and the edges shall overlap. When the patch item is ready, it is attached with a soldering iron. Then the edges of the patch are treated with flux. Finally, the area should be treated with putty and prime it. When the surface dries, paint and a protective layer are applied.

This method of sealing holes in the bottom of the car is the most popular. Experts note the durability of soldered patches, as the connection is quite reliable. In addition, this way you can plug a hole of any size. In general, soldering the patch is quite simple, with what the beginner will cope also, who does not have much experience in car repair.

Repair dents without painting on the car
The sequence of actions when sealing holes in the bottom

The use of fiberglass and glue

For moderate damage, the method of filling holes with fiberglass is often used. When this area is treated and cleaned of layers of paint and rust, it is necessary to cut several overlays from fiberglass, sizes with hole plus 2 centimeters. This area should be pre-primed and allow the composition to harden.

Car repair kit

An overlay is applied to the dry surface and fixed with the mixture (polyester or epoxy resin + glue). The next "detail" is attached and also fixed. So, glue all the details of fiberglass, superimposing them on each other. That they did not sag and were not deformed, the substrate should be placed. When the resin with glue dries, you need to process the work area and paint it.

fiberglass

Galvanized installation and riveted joints

Finishing holes in the bottom of the car with galvanized metal is quite common. Basic material, necessary for this, - iron sheet. Before installation it should be fixed with self-tapping screws and greased with mastic. It is best to use anti-noise bitumen mixture. Then the galvanizing is laid and bolted with a drill. Then you need to treat the area with special tools, level the entire surface. When everything dries and the structure is fixed, it should be covered with paint.