Gouges in aluminum frame - how to repair properly?
 

Hey guys, I plan on powdercoating this frame but am concerned about the effects of the deep scratches that occurred to the top tube. Is there a proper way to take care of these deep pits prior to powdercoating? I'd do a bondo solution but am afraid that it will not hold up after 10 years and in the oven. Or should I just deal with it by smoothing it out and powdercoat over it?

http://i.imgur.com/oWeYHcd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/clBzCjq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Tiny6Xv.jpg

Thanks!

Note: you can right-click and open the picture into a new tab to see the full sized image.

The biggest danger of gouges like that is possible stress risers.

Filing the area smooth will eliminate that as well as make it look the way you want...

You can't really repair the gouges if you are going to powder coat it. Anything you would put on there has to metal for the powder to stick. Part of powder coating it is baking the powder to get the gloss and that would take off most fillers. Sand as smooth as you can and live with it. Roger

You might want to try Alvin Hi-Temp Lab-metal.