Skin dilemma, help please

[swirlygirls]

Hello all. I've started the restoration on my 1960 Oasis. Above the front window there are some dents (which I can certainly live with) but there are also two rather large holes that a PO has filled with some weird caulk material. One area is almost 19" by 12." I would like to replace the skin but can not find a place to get a match. I found somewhere that has an option that would be "close" but would not match and that seems to me like it would be weird and stand out like a sore thumb. There is also a possibility that a local person here could match it but is only able to do a small piece. The skin above the window is part of a long piece of skin that runs from front to part way down the back. It was suggested that I have him make a small piece and add a seam to connect it to the skin on the roof. My concern about that is having a seam on the roof which would add a point of vulnerability for water to get in.

I've read about fixing holes and could do that but it is such a significant area that I'm concerned that would be a vulnerable place.

What would you all recommend for both the beauty and longevity of my Dottie?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[cowcharge]

If it were me and I couldn't get matching aluminum for the holes, I'd use a stiff aluminum screen patch inside and Bondo on both sides. It's easy to shape to match the contours of the skin. Some folks don't trust Bondo to stay where you put it, but I do.

[dawgpound]

Can you post a picture of the skin pattern?

[boandsusan]

A pic of the hole would prob help too. If I`m reading your description correctly, it sounds like you need/want, to replace the whole roof section of skin. If this section runs from above front to above the rear window, a slightly different pattern or even a plain sheet, won`t be that noticeable. IMO

[swirlygirls]

My camera is temporarily AWOL, must be in the pile of tools and supplies somewhere in the work space. However, here are three photos from when she arrived including the front where the holes are. Perhaps this will give enough detail. s1288.beta.photobucket.com/user/Swirlygirls/library/Dottie

[swirlygirls]

PS. The piece in question actually runs from mid-front window to mid-rear window which is why I fear a different pattern would be quite noticeable.

[persimmonpal]

Can you post a pic of this area??

[dawgpound]

I agree with Howard about repairing and patching what you have. He likes using bondo (auto body filler) and I like using JB Weld (2 part metal epoxy).

If you look at this photo album of a Serro Scotty that I recently restored you can see 2 areas that were gouged and torn on the front skin, due to jack-knifing the tow vehicle. The before pics are #30-#32, the repairs are from #96-#105 and the end result is #134
picasaweb.google.com/117311562985050168797/MarvinS1971SerroScotty#

You can use the same principles with bondo and wire mesh. Just remember to roughen up the surfaces with sandpaper, in order to give the bondo something to hold on to.

[swirlygirls]

Thank you so much for your input everyone. And that Scotty looks great.

[boandsusan]

Just saw your pictures. Ditto with Ross and Howard, repair what you have, its above eye level and not on the curb or road side so it won`t be noticeable, should you not get it perfect (which I`m sure you will

[vikx]

I'm seeing a large hole in the front. And you're saying there is a "piece" running front to rear on this trailer? That doesn't sound correct... The sides look good.

[swirlygirls]

I have an incredibly poor ability to describe things, this I confess. By "piece" I meant section of skin. After reading the replies, including a private message, I'm most likely going for replacing the skin in the front and having a roof seam.

[cowcharge]

By the "piece running front to rear", do you not mean the roof?