Expert: William Forster - 11/11/2008

Question
I've got a one-off Mazda Miata that has a 1/4" hole in the trunk lid as the result of a non-stock spoiler being removed.  The hole goes through the thinner outer sheet metal and through a thicker bracing piece for the trunk.  Repainting the entire lid is not an option and really don't want to try and have someone feather in a spot repair.  Never any paint or body work to the car.  I can get to the backside of the hole and have matching touch-up paint.  Looking for the best way to fill the hole without disturbing any of the surrounding paint, maybe some kind of plastic or rubber plug from the backside that could be cut lever with the paint surface and touched up.  Any professional help greatly appreciated as I'm a rank amateur at auto body repair.  Thank you!

Answer
Hello Tom! Tom, you're killing me here. About the only way to plug the holes is to put some sort of small rubber plug into them. You might find something at Ace Hardware. You aren't likely to find anything that will hide the holes. or mask the fact they are there.  plug has a beveled edge that sticks through the hole to hold it into place- if you cut it off, nothing is left to hold it. The inly way to make it look good is to weld the holes shut and refinish the lid. Bill