Painted Dash - How to first fill small holes?

[austinsnake]

I am planning to paint my dash with the body color...but I have a couple of very small holes - like 1/16" or 1/32" - drilled through (don't remember why!).

They would otherwise not matter for a covered dash, but would still be visible to the nekkid eye I think if just sprayed over.

So, my question is, what would be the best way to fill those before painting the dash? A bit of solder and sanding perhaps? Body filler? Something else?


Pondering,
Brian

[Jacob McCrea]

I'd try JB cold weld, sanded smooth with sandpaper wrapped around a paint stick. I'd leave a little mound of the stuff on the back side of the panel for strength.

I hate to answer unasked questions, and I apologize if you know this, but before you paint the dash I'd look into the surface prep chemicals. I know that PPG makes two chemicals for preparing aluminum to accept paint, one gets used after the other, then you can prime and paint as you see fit. It has been discussed here but I think a Google search will quickly pull up some good discussions on a boat or airplane forum.

[austinsnake]

Jacob, I hadn't thought about JB Weld...good idea. Should sand up well.

Thanks also for the prep tips for painting Al.

Brian

[FFinisher]

Buy a new dash from FFR with no holes in it. Much easier and likely less expensive/.