Removed flared/cladding, open holes question

[BltByKrmn]

I removed the flares and cladding from my LX last month but haven't had a chance to fill the holes and apply Monstaliner. I did try to use the plastic plug trick as a temporary solution, but they don't really fit the oval holes all that well.

My actual question comes back to how concerned should I be with water getting into the fenders and doors through the exposed holes? I know there's a drain hole at the bottom that will allow water to escape, but are the insides of the panels fully primed and or painted? Would hate to run into a situation where it starts to rust from the inside out.

 

[arcteryx]

I would not worry about the fenders, but would be very concerned about the rockers and doors.

 

[BltByKrmn]

I would not worry about the fenders, but would be very concerned about the rockers and doors.

That's what I was worried about. :/ Hopefully it warms up soon so I can get the Monstaliner on ASAP.

 

[excessive]

lots of water gets inside your doors all the time just from the window apron seals anyway. thats what the drain holes in the bottoms of the doors are for.

 

[arcteryx]

You still should do the fenders, but they would be a lower priority. Fenders you can replace easily, same with doors. Rockers are much more difficult to replace.

 

[madisonr34]

I want to do the same to my LX450. Is there a how to on this? Or any pointers?

 

[slow95z]

Buy land cruiser doors lol

 

[Dirty Koala]

Weld them up, then paint the inside to protect the steel.

 

[BltByKrmn]

Weld them up, then paint the inside to protect the steel.

Since I don't know how to weld, I'm going to go with aluminum tape with Monstaliner over it.

 

[DirtaddictLC80]

what about plastic retaining clips? I seem to remember others using these to cover the holes...kind of like what the tacoma guys do here:
Filling the holes in the fenders after removing the flares

 

[Phildoh]

As I was told by two different local bedliner company's, and I did myself, if you use a foil back tape over the holes and apply bedliner over both sides, its encased for good. I did roll on herculiner on the exterior, after using foil back HVAC tape, and a spray can bedliner on the inside of the wheel wells. I also applied tape inside, so it was back to back taped, and liner over both sides. I have had no problems at all. I did the exterior of the doors in the same fashion, as mentioned above, doors have moisture in them all the time. Hence the vapor barrier to block the window switches, speakers and door panels. I do plan on taking the door panels off at some point and spraying the inside with bedliner, to add a bit of protection, and some weight. I like a bit heavier door, personal preference. I won't seal the door, but just add some density, weight, and a little bit of sound deadening.

 

[FJ80DINOSAUR]

As I was told by two different local bedliner company's, and I did myself, if you use a foil back tape over the holes and apply bedliner over both sides, its encased for good. I did roll on herculiner on the exterior, after using foil back HVAC tape, and a spray can bedliner on the inside of the wheel wells. I also applied tape inside, so it was back to back taped, and liner over both sides. I have had no problems at all. I did the exterior of the doors in the same fashion, as mentioned above, doors have moisture in them all the time. Hence the vapor barrier to block the window switches, speakers and door panels. I do plan on taking the door panels off at some point and spraying the inside with bedliner, to add a bit of protection, and some weight. I like a bit heavier door, personal preference. I won't seal the door, but just add some density, weight, and a little bit of sound deadening.

how did you cut the tape? as in did you cut it in a square or circle or what

 

[BltByKrmn]

how did you cut the tape? as in did you cut it in a square or circle or what

I literally ripped it like masking tape, you don't see the tape edges at all. You will however see the edges of the holes if you press too hard.

 

[BltByKrmn]

While the prep was a huge pain in the ass, I'm definitely happy with it.

The aluminum tape to cover the holes worked pretty well but not great. You can definitely see the outline for some of the holes, but most people won't notice.

1 gallon was exactly the amount I needed for the sides and rear plus some patch spots where the roof rack was. It was not enough to do the roof or front bumper as I had originally planned.

I decided to have the front bumper sprayed by a pro, there's no way I could get a consistent finish with full coverage via roller.

 

[BltByKrmn]

As I was told by two different local bedliner company's, and I did myself, if you use a foil back tape over the holes and apply bedliner over both sides, its encased for good. I did roll on herculiner on the exterior, after using foil back HVAC tape, and a spray can bedliner on the inside of the wheel wells. I also applied tape inside, so it was back to back taped, and liner over both sides.

How hard was it to get to the holes inside the wheel wells? Did you put the well liner back in afterwards or just toss it?

 

[Phildoh]

Kind of a pita, but not that difficult. They rear easily when yanking on them if they're folded over, it hanging up on a missed mounting hardware piece , but can be manipulated rather easy when being careful. IIRC , I taped inside and out, dabbed some BL on the inside to help seal it from the elements, and on the outside, I did a few coats and the tape disappeared.

 

[jeremy56]

I used steel stick from O'Reillys I believe it's a jb weld product. Worked great, when it didn't fall down In the fender. I was able to sand it after a couple hours and can't see any of my holes through two coats of monstaliner.

 

[jblaze]

I used steel stick from O'Reillys I believe it's a jb weld product. Worked great, when it didn't fall down In the fender. I was able to sand it after a couple hours and can't see any of my holes through two coats of monstaliner.

Did you tap in with a punch first? You're talking about the steel stick putty? Asking because I am planning on the same thing in October.

 

[dirtyboots]

Adhesives, Glue, Two-Part, Urethane, Epoxy, Panel Bonding

Eastwood makes a no weld patch repair product, but it's $$ of you had to do a bunch of holes...I have used 3m panel epoxy (do some research they make multiple products)..got the proprietary gun on Amazon, and 3m panel bond, it is super legit..very strong and easy to use.. bonding a patch piece from inside the panel would be seriously time consuming compared to the AL tape, but the results would reflect the effort.. the repair would be permanent..the panel bonding stuff is truly amazing

 

[jeremy56]

Did you tap in with a punch first? You're talking about the steel stick putty? Asking because I am planning on the same thing in October.

I did hit it with a

hammer first add the puddy, grind off with flap wheel and bondo small amount just for prosperity.
Two coats of Monster