Expert: William Forster - 5/22/2008

Question
I have two 88 GTA's, I have took off the ground effects on one of my baby's. I would like to make it into a Formula. The problem at hand is the remaining bolt holes that are now showing that held the ground effects on. I really don't like bondo it seems like a short term fix. Would you recomend that I tack weld a plate in back of the holes then very slowly fill them in? Time is not very important I have plenty of it. I know if I am not careful I will worp the metal creating more work. Any help would be much appreciated for I have 6 girls to take care ofand not much money, just time for I am mr. mom. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Warping while welding is just part of life, bro. When they weld  the steel plate of ships, they sometimes have to put sub assemblies into a giant press to flatten them back out. So, you can imagine how sheet metal stacks up. Put a piece of metal behind it, slowly tack it in, and be sure to apply sealer around the little plate from the back side- if you have access to it. At least be sure to undercoat it. One trick you might try, it putting a heat dam made of play-doh in a tight circle around the spot to be welded. This will give the heat somewhere to go besides radiating out into the  sheet metal. Good luck! Bill