Cab corners, rockers, and floor pans

[krafty]

I am looking at replacing the corners, rockers and floor pans on my 76 Chevy pickup. I was told by one of the local guys that using a panel adhesive would be just as good, if not better than welding. Do any of you guys have an opinion on this??

[frostje]

I heard it was just as strong, but you run the chance of showing a seam later on due to body flex. Just IMO.

[CraigS]

I've done it both ways. Just as good? Yes. Better than welding? Not in my opinion. My choice is still to weld - because I can. If I had to look for equipment or someone to do it, I'd use adhesive.

[Henry]

I am looking at replacing the corners, rockers and floor pans on my 76 Chevy pickup. I was told by one of the local guys that using a panel adhesive would be just as good, if not better than welding. Do any of you guys have an opinion on this??

Be ready to support the area of the rocker as the body will sag/twist once the rocker is removed. Glue is great but I would not use it on a rocker being a structural part of the body.
Cab corners is a big yes to glue as is floors depending on size and weakness of surrounding metal. Proceed with caution.

Henry

[krafty]

Be ready to support the area of the rocker as the body will sag/twist once the rocker is removed. Glue is great but I would not use it on a rocker being a structural part of the body.
Cab corners is a big yes to glue as is floors depending on size and weakness of surrounding metal. Proceed with caution.

Henry

That makes sense....I did a patch repair with adhesive once, that I also used rivets with it. I purchased it as a kit. Do you think that would help strengthen the rocker area??

[junk]

I'm a weld guy myself, just because I haven't used adhesives yet. Properly applied they are stronger than welding. I would probably try to weld all the structural pieces back in then glue the decorative stuff. That makes sense to me.

Only bad thing about adhesives I've heard is you can sometimes see a ghost line of the repair through he paint. something about the edge of the adhesive will show through. This is hear say. I always assume stuff like this is more or an application issue.

[frostje]

I'm a weld guy myself, just because I haven't used adhesives yet. Properly applied they are stronger than welding. I would probably try to weld all the structural pieces back in then glue the decorative stuff. That makes sense to me.

Only bad thing about adhesives I've heard is you can sometimes see a ghost line of the repair through he paint. something about the edge of the adhesive will show through. This is hear say. I always assume stuff like this is more or an application issue.

I have seen it twice on the wheel well side of a pickup and also on the side of a 04 malibu right at the wheel well. The area was properly repaired but there was a line where the patch panel was attached. It worked if that what u asked, and held up well, but the seem showed through the paint. Not very clear, but was visible, just barely.

[Len]

Getting a "read thru line" when using panel adhesive will depend on what bonding adhesive is used, how it's applied and where it's used on the vehicle. When it's done properly you get very little, if any, seams showing. Fusor has information on how to use their products.