Patching holes in roof left by old rack

[lanierboy]

My roof-rack was in rough shape so I pulled it off. Unfortunately, that left a bunch of 1/2" holes in the roof of my car. Temporarily I've plugged them with plastic plugs but, I'd like a more permanent solution. Is this something a body shop can do cheaply? I'm eventually going to get it painted anyway.

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1987 GW "Global Warmer"
AMC360 / NP229 / TF727

[Ralph]

Start by taking out your headliner.

Then you can patch the holes with solder or body putty, using a good backing material. Let's call this the cheap way.

Or you can do it the right way and have small pieces of sheetmetal welded in, grinded smooth, prepped with body putty and primer, then paint the entire roof panel.

[JERRY88GW]

I agre with Ralph.

The right way would be to weld the holes up, sanding, bondo, more sanding and paint.

Or you could get a fiberglass filler.

[fishermike]

Considering how much our roofs flex, as well as expand and contract with temperature changes, do it right (welding) or you'll probably have a leaky roof after a couple of seasons. A major PITA, especially if you've repainted by then!