Panel adhesive Vs Welding Vs Frame Rack

[Rick WI]

INteresting test Brian (MartinSr) did with his son.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/weld...ct-116090.html

[77RS]

That is some great info. Not being a great welder myself, I have been seriously considering usng the adhesive for the panels on my 77. New technology is great. If "the old way is the best way", then we would still be using the pony express rather than being on the internet.

I can see the advantages of using the adhesive - No warping, full coverage of the joint (rather than spot welded), No burn through, no corrosion, no grinding, etc...

[ChevyReb]

Thats very interesting idea and a great read. Thanks for posting that up Rick.

[BobB]

My question of gluing metal(and I have done it) is longevity. I wonder how it will hold up to the environment.

[BTTB71SS]

That was an interesting read... Thanks for the info

[Rick WI]

Bob, since the panel repairs are typically sealed I can't imagine there being any issue. They have been used long enough now where I think if there were an issue it would have showed up.

[chrisrip]

I wouldn't recommend gluing. I have seen to many cases where the finished seam cracks over time. Most glues were developed to be used in conjuction with welds as the factory does on the newer vehicles, not to completely replace welding.

[Twisted_Metal]

Glueing is becoming much more commonplace in body work and manufacturing now. I think it's a fantastic idea, especially if your welding skills aren't very good or you have no access to a welder.

That being said.... I have seen an issue with the adhesive seam raising after the panel warmed in the sun.
(Not my car, thankfully!)

I would be apprehensive about using an adhesive for the first time on any area that will be highly visible on exterior panels. Door skins, wheel wells and drop-off/quarter seams are perfect candidates for the panel adhesives, IMO.

There are now several adhesive brands to choose from and even trusted companies sometimes change the formulations of their products so that you are always taking some risk with new technology.

[Gary S]

I don't have any problem with the strength of adhesives. My problem would be with trying to totally seal the joints so they are 100% waterproof.
Why are we replacing panels? In my part of the country, the simple answer is rust. Water gets into any unsealed seam and gets the rust going. A good welder will fully join two pieces of metal so they are waterproof. I don't know how difficult that would be to achieve with glues. Any tiny water leak will come back to haunt you in the future.

[rc_rs_ss]

same with glue. Any good glue master can make a seam waterproof. Actually its easier to make it completely sealed with adhesives. I did it on my first car and have had no problems.

[Rick WI]

Originally Posted by Gary S

I don't have any problem with the strength of adhesives. My problem would be with trying to totally seal the joints so they are 100% waterproof.
Why are we replacing panels? In my part of the country, the simple answer is rust. Water gets into any unsealed seam and gets the rust going. A good welder will fully join two pieces of metal so they are waterproof. I don't know how difficult that would be to achieve with glues. Any tiny water leak will come back to haunt you in the future.

When you read the application instructions it guides you through these issues.

No welder that is attaching panels to a car FULLY welds the attachment flange points, it's all spot welded. Either with a MIG or two prog spot welder.

I suppose you could continuous seam weld the panel BUT you can't seam weld the panel on both sides, so one side is ALWAYS going to be exposed. Think inner wheelwell to quarter surround.

[flyboy367]

the more important question is which one do you get a better buzz from

im still debating welding my 1/4rs. i only have some little rust down by the rocker. i have the patch part i just cant decide on what to do since i am a decent welder but a shyt bodyman. is the adhesive comercially avaialble (pepboys, walmart?)

[Rick WI]

Have to get it at a body shop supply house. NAPA might be able to order it as they are a dealer with 3M, who makes adhesive.

[71 Camaro]

Veeeeery Interesting. I've got a new quarter sitting here too......hm

[kustom77]

I used a combination of both. glued inside lower spot welded outside.
that was 4 years ago, car has sat in sun for weeks, got snowed on(april snowstorm).haven't had any problems.