radionightster

Hi guys,

I've come into this old Selig (Eames imitation) lounge chair. The bottom piece of plywood is in pretty bad shape. There are some rips through it, and places where the bolt holes have became elongated (sorry I can't think of a better word, like the bolt holes have become larger than they should be.)

My question is what is the best way to repair this. It's made out of thin (measures in at 3/8") plywood. My initial thought was to cut out a section of new ply the same size as the cracked section and fiberglass that in.

This first image shows the biggest crack where some ply is missing. It's about 1" x 2" (the missing area.)




This second image shows the place where the stand attaches to the base of the chair, it's got some cracks and the bolt holes are way huge here.


This last image shows another bolt hole that has become elongated/widened.


I would appreciate any advice :)

Thank you
RN

Webster

Hi RN,

Is there a reason why you can't replace the whole piece?
It looks like it's already out.

Patching it won't hold for long.

Rick

Gene Howe

Looks like it's curved, right? Probably pretty hard to match that with a totally new piece.
I've had good luck with Bondo in areas that don't show, or will be painted. The stuff get's hard enough to drill and should hold a tee nut or through bolt. I wouldn't count on it holding a wood screw if there was much stress on it.

GeorgeC

I like your idea of cutting out the bad idea of cutting out the bad area and patching a new one. If there is room, on the backside I would scab in a second board for added strength. Fiberglassing would also add strength to keep the new patch in place.

This assumes that the place where you are patching and potentially scabbing do not show.

This should make the repair much bettwe than the old board even when new.

Elongated is a good way to say a hole has been wallowed out.

George