I've got a 95 Featherlite that had an awning on it from a previous owner. The awning broke...we never used it....and don't want to replace it. How can I fill/patch the hundred or so holes that were drilled to intall it??

Thanks!

Chris

I'm not a sheet metal person, so I'd probably go the simple route to just stop any possible leaks.

Sand or grind off any rough materials. In particular where the screws pulled out.

Apply a coating of a silicon caulk or an elastimic roof coating in a color that matches the trailer.  Call it good.

If you are more energetic, you round up some aluminum panels and either over lay them onto the exisiting damage or remove the original skin and replace it.

It would depend on the final surface finish you want, when you're done with the repairs. The holes can be plugged and sealed several ways, but you will end up with the heads of various types of hardware showing, where each hole was filled. A smooth, unblemished, surface involves more work and the repainting of the affected part of the trailer.

The holes can be plugged various ways, depending on the diameter of the hole in which the original hardware was installed. If they are 1/4" or less, marine pop rivets with closed shanks can easily be installed. If they are unattainable, stainless sheet metal, round head or pan head screws can be substituted, with a sealant added under the heads during installation.

If a finished smooth surface is desired, the paint around the holes should be sanded off, and each area around the holes, should be dimpled with the round end of a ball peen hammer. These areas are then filled with fiberglass reinforced body filler, or two part epoxies, and faired with the surface after drying. The repaired areas are then spot primed, and the whole involved panel is re sprayed.

Gard