Compartment Hole Filler

[AFfiredawg]

Hopefully the title makes since....I am looking to fill a 1.5" hole in the plastic that makes up the compartments under my coach...just trying to decide how best to do it. Was thinking a 2 part epoxy or JB weld or something like that. Just wanted to get other people's opinion or how they did it.

[Unplanned Tourist]

Hot glue gun?

[h20ski]

1 of these should work.


https://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Hillman...e-Plug/3013225

[AFfiredawg]

Originally Posted by h20ski

1 of these should work.


https://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Hillman...e-Plug/3013225

Unfortunately it is in the bend of a corner and I am also looking to get a water tight seal.

[h20ski]

Can you bend a thin piece of metal around the corner and then pop rivet it on with sealant under it?

[harleyjt]

Originally Posted by AFfiredawg

Unfortunately it is in the bend of a corner and I am also looking to get a water tight seal.

I was going to tell you to get a plastic body plug, but you didn't share that little tidbit until now. In that case, I'd probably use some fiberglass mat and resin.
jt

[ScottyBye]

Plastic welding kits are available for the DIY or auto body shops and similar may do these types of repairs.

[AFfiredawg]

Originally Posted by harleyjt

I was going to tell you to get a plastic body plug, but you didn't share that little tidbit until now. In that case, I'd probably use some fiberglass mat and resin.

jt

Yeah my fault....

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by AFfiredawg

Yeah my fault....

AFiredawg,
This is no big deal. Plastics are fun to play with. There's any number of places to acquire small sections of plastic, Lowes, Home Depot, ACE and True Value Hardware stores as well as hobby shops, Hobby Lobby and a whole lot more.

Once you've acquired some, cut it in the dimensions needed that will completely overlay the hole in question. Then, simply use a heat gun to heat it up enough to bend it in the "curve" that's needed to comply with the bend in the compartment floor. Then, using pure Silicone, you can adhesive and seal it in place, in one move. Now, as has been suggested, you can also use metal. Some roof flashing would do, either galvanized sheet or, Aluminum. Cut and form, and roll-bend it to conform. Then using Silicone, glue and seal it in place, DONE!

Both items will suffice for your repair. The plastic may or, may not look more natural, based on the colors of both the compartment floor and, the color of the plastic patch piece. The secrete of success in the use of Silicone is to have every single square inch of the surfaces that will be adhered to, completely CLEAN. And that entails the use of Alcohol, multiple times to ensure the areas are clean. Once clean, the Silicone will do a phenomenal job and WILL NOT peel away, as some may think. I've use Silicone for zillions of Auto repair jobs and have NEVER, EVER had one break free. Silicone, even when fully cured, is substantially flexible which, in a compartment floor, and especially a bend, is EXACTLY what's needed. Good luck on your repair.
Scott

[Crankshaft]

How about Eternabond ? I've used it to patch small holes and seal seams. If you can get to both sides of the hole put some on both sides.

[harleyjt]

Originally Posted by Crankshaft

How about Eternabond ? I've used it to patch small holes and seal seams. If you can get to both sides of the hole put some on both sides.

Good idea. I'd still probably use a piece of formed plastic under it to actually cover the hole, then apply the Eternabond over it. Just to give it some stiffness.
jt

[bobmac]

Your best bet for something that will conform to the sides is fiberglass cloth impregnated with epoxy. Can put multiple layers inside or outside and paint if you wish but a piece outside and one inside should be overkill. Can grind out imperfections when hardened and paint. Cost likely $20-30 and that should provide you with enough extra for future tasks. Good luck,