body panels
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
body panels
dont know if this is in the right place.
we have a bed that we want to put on our truck.the bed has damage but we have a new side panel for it.
the question is.
could we use rivet to attach it to the bed? we dont have spot welder and it would cost a arm and a leg to get the body shop to do it.
we have a bed that we want to put on our truck.the bed has damage but we have a new side panel for it.
the question is.
could we use rivet to attach it to the bed? we dont have spot welder and it would cost a arm and a leg to get the body shop to do it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
I wouldn't rivet it. You may be able to use panel adhesive though. Get it at a body shop supply house, you use a caulk gun to put it on. Also, harbor freight has a reasonably priced spot welder.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,966
Likes: 2,728
From: Virginia
I don't see why you could not pop rivet it. That's how they are putting the new aluminum trucks together, with rivets.
I used to use them all the time before I got a welder. They held good, but they were always too tall and required too much filler to hide them. I started countersinking the hole that helped some.
I used to use them all the time before I got a welder. They held good, but they were always too tall and required too much filler to hide them. I started countersinking the hole that helped some.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
yea we looked at that spot welder.we dont think it will fit all in the places to spot weld it.
and we can put the time in to hide the rivts.
the bed thats on there now is all beat to hell and rusted out.
and we can put the time in to hide the rivts.
the bed thats on there now is all beat to hell and rusted out.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
I don't see why you could not pop rivet it. That's how they are putting the new aluminum trucks together, with rivets.
I used to use them all the time before I got a welder. They held good, but they were always too tall and required too much filler to hide them. I started countersinking the hole that helped some.
I used to use them all the time before I got a welder. They held good, but they were always too tall and required too much filler to hide them. I started countersinking the hole that helped some.
Look up cherry max rivets, or look for structural blind rivets. There's lots of info out there in the home built aircraft sites.
I'm a aircraft mechanic BTW, so I know a thing or two about rivets. One you price out cherry max rivets you'll rethink the panel adhesive.
You can use rivets to hold it while the panel adhesive dries however, because they won't be the main thing holding it on.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
You could use Cleco's to hold the panel on temporarily, or you could just use selftapping screws and take them out when the epoxy panel adhesive hardens.
Then you don't have to try and hide them.
If you have air, a punch and flange tool will help level the panels and punch holes for screws.
Then you don't have to try and hide them.
If you have air, a punch and flange tool will help level the panels and punch holes for screws.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
From: north battleford
structural adhesive holding my box panels on for 3 years now.fusor seemed to be the brand to use when i researched it. most tubes need a special gun to apply(double barrel).i used the motorcraft stuff (TA.1.B) supposedly made by fusor. not cheap stuff.depending on your timeline it seemed to take a while to cure.the one drawback with this way vs welding is that the panels overlap a bit meaning more body work. use fiberglass reinforced filler
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
I usually use a backing strip. Does the same thing, just without warping. You do have to attach it to both sides and it could create a rust area if not sealed... That's a problem with welding, not so much with panel adhesive.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
There are many varieties of panel bonding adhesive.
I've used 3M, and I have the correct plural component gun.
On properly prepared metal it should last forever, unless there's a fire.
f100, I haven't seen warping using my pneumatic flange tool.
Is there an issue other than tight radii?
I've used 3M, and I have the correct plural component gun.
On properly prepared metal it should last forever, unless there's a fire.
f100, I haven't seen warping using my pneumatic flange tool.
Is there an issue other than tight radii?