Expert: William Forster - 3/21/2007

Question
Hey William,
I saw that you are willing to answer DIY auto body repair questions, and had a fairly simple one for you. I recently purchased a new spoiler for my 2006 Honda Civic EX coupe. However, the holes that are in the deck lid from my current spoiler do not match the holes that I'll have to drill to install the new spoiler. Consequently, I've got to fill the holes somehow. Welding is a little out of the question, since I don't have the tools available, and am not very good at it to boot. I was thinking about filling the holes with some sort of epoxy or resin, and then sanding and painting over them, but do you have any tips on how to do this? I've never done it before, so I'm not quite sure how to do it. The holes that I'm filling go all the way through the trunk lid. Do you have any advice? Thank so much in advance!

Answer
welding is the only way to fix the holes, and have it last more than 6 months. The vibration of the new spoiler will compound the problem. Pull the lid, and pay someone to do it right. It will last the lifetime of the car if you have it welded up. A 2006 Honda has LOTS of life left in it, so why not go to the effort to do it right? Anything else is a waste of paint, which is much more expensive than having some holes welded. Unless you WANT to have to fork over 300 bucks every year you own the car to repair the lid again and again. Bill