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MG MGB Technical - Need to Plug some Holes

Couldn't find anything using the "search feature" so decided to ask here. I removed a roll bar from my '70 roadster which left sixteen holes which are slightly over a 1/2" in dia. (.560 to .580). These are on the deck behind the seats and I feel that they should be plugged or somehow sealed over as they do allow exposure to the weather. Anyone ever encountered this before and what suggestions might you have to fill them. My first idea was to buy a few 15 mm test tube stoppers and pound them into the holes using a little multipurpose grease them cut off any excess with a dremel tool. Open to all ideas...

Cheers - Dennis
DLR Dennis

Your idea should work. You should be able to find some plastic or rubber plugs that fit. Try the help section in parts places or try the hardware sections at Lowe's or HD.

Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Rubber sealing grommets are probably the best bet, they have a lip to hook over the side of the hole so shouldn't require any sealant and can be easily removed should you decide to refit the roll-bar.
Mike

Mike,
The holes in question are somewhat irregular in size and even in shape (sort of jagged). Also, the decking seems to be rather thick in the area where the holes are. It is for this reason that I came up with the idea of using the test tube stoppers. The stoppers that I've found on line have a Shore hardness of 60. I will however check in at Lowe's. We don't have an HD in our area.

Cheers - Dennis
DLR Dennis

Dennis
Why dont you just use some JB Weld to fill the holes.
Use masking tape one one side to stop it falling through until dry.

Ste
Ste brown

Thanks for the suggestion Ste. I've used JB Weld in some unusual ways in the past. This would be another one. I'll post the results.

Thanks - Dennis
DLR Dennis

How about bolting on blank steel plates that are similar to the
mounting plates on the roll bar that you had just removed?

If you ever get a hankering to put the roll bar back in it
would be a simple matter of swapping the pieces out.

Just a thought.
Daniel Wong

If you decide to fill the holes with JB Weld epoxy, I suggest that you first countersink the visible side of the hole. This will provide greater surface area and much better retention of the filler. I do this whenever I have to fill a hole. especially when doing body work. This method also improves the ability to feather the filler prior to painting. Another trick is to bond a backer plate on the unseen side of the hole prior to filling.
Frank Grimaldi

I would do what Daniel suggested. Would be a nice, neat, reversible solution. You could paint them to be body coloured so they won't stand out too much.

I have three little holes in the underside of my bonnet where my bonnet strap is bolted on. I plugged them with rubber grommets and it looks a bit rubbish to be honest.

I have been meaning to make a small steel plate, paint it the correct colour and pop rivet it over the three holes to neatly cover them. It's removable (not easily since you need to drill the rivet) and should look tidy.
Simon Jansen

Best way is weld them, but if you cant, go to the auto store and get some carpet or panel fasteners. These have a finned pin that goes in the hole and a smooth cap on the top that gets pretty flat.

Should be on the rack with fasteners. A fine coat of silicon should seal them up.

Bruce Cunha (1950 TD 4139)

Try some of that weld adhesive that the auto manf.use now to attatch panels togather on new autos.Come in a two part caulk tube.Rich O
rich osterhout

Failing all that, duct tape :)
Simon Jansen

This thread was discussed between 20/06/2010 and 22/06/2010

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