Guys, I'm thinking about getting keyless entry. The car has no driver side lock cylinder because someone tried to break in. So I figure why no just fill in the key hole? if I'm not going to use it. I figure if the keyless entry malfunctions for some reason then at least I can open the trunk and crawl in.

So I've never really used bondo or fiberglass before. I'm guessing I would have to use fiber paste to fill in the hole as much as possible and then use the bondo.?

Any tips or suggestions would be much appreciated

 

If you really want to do it right you would cut out the whole handle with a plasma cutter or something then make a sheet metal piece to cover the hole. If you have to use body filler you don't want it very thick at all.

 

Haha just want to do the keyhole. I am keeping the handle

 

Just be prepared to climb into through the trunk if keyless entry malfunctions. That's what happened to my friend. I think you'd be better off just getting a new key cylinder.

 

it's much better to remove the locks and have the holes welded up with a sheet metal patch. then you can do the body filler overtop of that much stronger, longer lasting foundation.

 

True. It would be nicer to weld in a patch panel.

Being the lazy "good enough" bastard i am, i'd opt to use rivets and epoxy since i haven't bought my welder yet but i feel every diy car guy should atleast own a flux core/gas mig welder that runs on 220v.

Invest in one.

 

rivets and epoxy? how do you plan on keeping body lines with rivets sticking out? most epoxy will be worse than body putty for longevity when binding to metal.

There are three ways this should be done. Easy way, Buy some tinning flux, tinning butter, Body solder, bernzomatic and a some scrap chunks of a 2x4. Sand the area around the hole inside and out, Tin the area inside and out, fill with lead / body solder working it with one block using another on the back side to keep it in the hole. sand smooth.

first way with welder, Get a copper block or copper welding backer, this will allow you to just weld the hole shut with nothing more than Tig filler stick/ mig wire. Grind smooth.

other way with welder, get a circle the same size as the hole and use a magnet to hold it in place. three tacks and remove magnet, finish weld. Grind smooth.

They are the only three ways I would ever fill a hole and they will all last as long as the car and that is something body putty, epoxy, fiberglass, etc can never say.

 

My keyless entry system failed a little while ago. (bought the car shaved/molded that way) I have entered through my hatch probably the same amount as using the door.

My tip to you: Its much easier to find a lock set with keys and replace what doesnt work than to shave/mold and install a keyless entry system.

ALSO after doing your bondo, welding or whatever then your going to need paint.