welding sills over underseal

[andyv]

I've cleaned the paint off the sills on my VW camper and found several 1/4 inch holes. These aren't rusty and it looks like a previous owner had new sills fitted and to protect them has filled them with Waxoyl or similar. It seems like the holes were drilled, Waxoyl injected then knocked in and filled with body filler. I'm contemplating welding the holes up but this could be problematical as I might set fire to the underseal.

What's the best way tackle this? I'd be happy to refill them and paint over but I suspect this isn't a professional long term solution.

 

[madkayaker]

I would be temped to keep the, as you can then add more wax oil occasionally. I would put rubber bungs in them

 

[F.J.]

It's not just a case of setting for to the underseal but you woul get a poor weld due to the underseal melting and dripping into your weld puddle. As stated, keep them and fit bungs

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Noo! You need the breather holes as water will find it's way in and isn't as easy to find it's way back out!

 

[Marc.]

Noo! You need the breather holes as water will find it's way in and isn't as easy to find it's way back out!

I can definately agree with this above, keep the holes in there! With the waxoyl etc it wont make a difference when the water gets in there but if it doesnt have anywhere to get back out then you will have problems in the future!

 

[andyv]

Thanks - kind of confirms what I was expecting!

 

[gavuk]

Unless the holes are at the lowest point of the sill can't see how they can be used as drains,any pics?......most sills have formed drain channels at the bottom , these can easily be blocked using waxoyl,but should have been kept clear.......post some pics,then people with more experience than me can comment

 

[keith19]

Would agree with Gav 100%. Unless those holes are at the lowest point in the sill they won't help drainage. If anywhere else and left open water will get in and slosh about inside the sill, and along with particles already inside will abrade the waxoyl from the inside of the sill, displacing it with water. Not good. The water will make its own drainage holes in a year or two, though

FWIW, I have always drilled a few waxoyl holes well up the sides of the sill, sprayed waxoyl inside, left to drain, check drain holes in bottom are not blocked, then as already said, used rubber bungs in the wax holes. Check the drain holes underneath are okay about twice a year - especially before Winter - and spray new waxoyl inside every couple of years. The sills on my old van lasted over 20 years with this treatment.

 

[the snooper]

the drains are usually a part of the bottom seam as in the picture, looking up not a drilled hole

 

[mike 109444]

the drains are usually a part of the bottom seam as in the picture, looking up not a drilled hole

Know the ones you mean. Hacksaw blade poked up thoes slots from time to time should keep them clear