The pop-rivets are likely the factory install. Why not just smooth the area and prep for paint? Your going to need to attach the wooden strips in the same spots anyway.

BenT

sent from my electronic leash

On Jul 14, 2011, at 1:23 PM, ed donnen <spliced.surprise@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> 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?