I just got a new drivers side cab corner and was wondering what is the best way to attach without welding. I was thinking a combination of screws and maybe JB Weld should do it. Do you guys have any tips on better products that I could find at a local auto parts store. I heard of some stuff called panel bond, but nobody knows what the real name of it is.

Also, has anyone tried any of the rust converters out there? I was thinking of using it on the bed of the old beast to stop the rust there while I work on the cab and front fenders.

 

Panel Adhesive is a very good way to glue the patch in. There are a few things you need to know before you start though. First of all, the area to be glued needs to be very clean, down to the bare, clean sheet metal. Its a good idea to strip every area the glue will touch for the best results. Secondly, you will need a glueing flange to glue the patch panel to. This is achieved by using a flanging tool available at most full service auto parts stores, or by cutting narrow strips of 18 gauge sheet metal and gluing them in place behind the original sheetmetal where you cut the old panel out. clamp them in place so about 3/4 of an inch is showing to glue the new panel to. I would do a google search for thir process as it is difficult to explain in simple text.

 

You should use the proper panel adhesives sold by aoutbody supply stores or places like Eastwood. Screws and JB Weld will not hold up.
As for a rust converter, POR15 is a good product to use. It doesnt convert the rust, but it encapsulates it. Although the best solution is to remove as much rust as possible. There is a reason its called the cancer of the auto world.

 

Is the product you recomend called "Maxim Bonding Adhesive Fast Set", it says it used to bond sheet metal and used for non-structual bonding. It is a little pricey for my old truck, do you guys know of anything cheaper then forty bucks for an 8oz tube?

 

From what I have gathered, the product of choice on this forum is 3M Panel Adhesive #8115. I just used it on a patch panel for the rear quarter of my truck today. Seems to be working well.

 

I put the new corner on two days ago. I went cheap and it seems to be holding strong. If it makes it through the next couple weeks I will post up what I did to get it to stick. I only spent about $15 not including the bondo I bought to smooth it all out.

I will get it bondo'ed once I have seen the seams of the patch job make it through the next couple weeks. After that I will post some pics and the secret adhesives used.

 

I have a similar problem with my cab corners and was wondering what you ussed and how it worked out.

 

after doing auto body and heavy collision over 30yrs,theres only 1 right way to do it and thats weld it solid. If you dont NO MATTER how you put the cab corner on it will show the seam, may take a little time for some ways but IT WILL show threw.

 

bud mud is right, you need to weld and spot weld the cab corner, it looks good now but it can cause cracking and rust problems in the future. even at the body shop when we used glue, there was still spot welding done. WELDING IS A MUST.

 

thanks for the reply

 

Before I had a welder and the skills to do things right, I used this product: No Weld Panel Adhesive Replacement
Small tubes, but goes a long way and uses a regular caulking gun. It has held since 2008.

 

Bud Mud, Do replacement cab corners come that tall? I will need corners on my two 79' projects once I get started.

 

yes, you can cut them down but i dont, the rust creeps up inside so i always go up plus its a better area for the body work to be done rather than down lower.

 

OK - Thanks. Now all I have to do is learn how to replace the corners or have someone do it for me.

 

you have a welder you can do it,its easy. Hold the new one on over the old,using a sharpe make it. Buy a cheap air hammer and cut the old one off leaving a 1/2 in lip to weld the new one on. Grind along the edge taking the paint off,hold the new one in place fitting it to the door edge the best you can and screw it on,weld it solid take screws out weld the holes shut,grind the welds flat and do your body work.