re
If I install pop rivets,"

some pop rivets don't leave a hole.
the center piece breaks off, leaving a nice 'blank hole plug.'

I like that idea the best, if it'll work.
Welding where you can't paint the backside is verbotten of course ,
( nice to see you wanting to do it right )

JB weld..
very weak for that application I think.
scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "ed donnen" <spliced.surprise@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 1:23 PM
Subject: holes

> My DOKA bed has many 1/4" holes from when some Clever Charlie pop riveted
> the battens down to the bed.
> Now I want to fill the holes and make them flush with the bed before I
> make
> new battens of an original,
> and if I may say so, cunning design...   So, I don't want to weld- burns
> the
> paint on the back side I can't reach.
> I tried JB Weld, but it is thin and drips through.  Remember, I can't
> always reach the underside so I can't just
> tape below and putty above.  I tried JB Weld because I may wish to
> drill/thread later on.  If I install pop rivets,
> and then grind them down, I have holes again.
> There must be a simple and elegant way.
> ed- holier than thou?