TOPIC: Advice on repairing hole in aluminum deck

Hello, looking for some advice... Feel free to point me to an old thread if available. I have a hole in the deck of my Starcraft aluminum deck where the previous owner drilled thru it for some reason. I have open access to it underneath as well. What is the best way to patch this? Do I use some tape or something from the bottom then fill over the top? Really appreciate any input. Thanks

Please send a pic and advise diameter.
Thanks,
StevieB

Thanks, one hole is nickel sized, other dime sized

Thanks, one hole is nickel sized, other dime sized

Option#1:
Since they are relatively small, if you are painting over them, I would consider using the aluminum sealer that is offered by Starbrite. It comes in a clear cylinder, you break off the quantity needed, message it your hand, and apply it. I would apply it from the underside, but first I would position something rigid on the top side, that the aluminum sealer will not stick to, so you can form it to the contour of what you are trying to fill. Then let it harden up. It is somewhat sandable or grindable, so after it is hardened, prepare and paint.

Option #2:
Find a boat accessory and mount it in it's place.

Regards,
StevieB

thanks

i dont know how far you were going on possible refinishing
but heres another possible idea.. aluminum welding rods..

www.weld-aluminum.com/

thanks

Check with a body shop. The skins on a Chevy pickup door are fastened with adhesive. This might work for you. You would only need a dab.

Im not a boat expert but I am a welder. If you decide that you take the advice to weld it up make sure you know what you are doing, Aluminum welding is not nearly as forgiving as carbon steel. Unless you are pretty dang good/confident I would just pay someone who is a good Al welder to plug it. sanding it down to match should be pretty easy after that.

we played with both door skin bonding and panel bonding adhesive in the body shop I worked at since it first came out...they would appear to stick to aluminum for a while but would pop loose after a while, if it stuck at all....we used the welding sticks some with good results using the propane torch...not so much luck with the oxyacetylene....but then again body men are welders too...john