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So I’m getting ready to put the roof on my truck. Unsure if I should weld it or glue it. Or possibly a combination of both. For those that have done this what do you recommend?
You can do either. The use of panel adhesive as sop has been done in body shops for large panels and roof skins for nearly 40 years. There's no reason why you couldn't do it on your truck just the same. If your welding skills are lacking like mine, it's a great option. I can make stuff stick, but wouldn't want to trust my life to it. The key would be to have good panel fit and do a lot of trial and fitting to make sure the skin fits as perfect as you can get it prior to laying on the glue. (not really any different than setting up for welding, actually) Have lots of clamps at the ready. Test fit with clamps and know where and how they go. Use Tek screws for places the clamps won't fit into. Having a helper may make things easier, too, for lifting and setting the panel in place, and helping to ensure it doesn't move where you don't want it to while clamping. That extra set of eyes thing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on bead size, timing for work and cure, etc. If done correctly the joint will be stronger than the steel it's joining. It won't come apart, ever. It can save on the chance of warping and extra finish work from welding. Either way, a build thread would be interesting to see as you accomplish your task. Good luck with your project.
It had some rust around the edges. Not to horrible. I figured by the time I cut it out and welded in patches and then fill I would be further ahead just replacing the whole thing.
You can do either. The use of panel adhesive as sop has been done in body shops for large panels and roof skins for nearly 40 years. There's no reason why you couldn't do it on your truck just the same. If your welding skills are lacking like mine, it's a great option. I can make stuff stick, but wouldn't want to trust my life to it. The key would be to have good panel fit and do a lot of trial and fitting to make sure the skin fits as perfect as you can get it prior to laying on the glue. (not really any different than setting up for welding, actually) Have lots of clamps at the ready. Test fit with clamps and know where and how they go. Use Tek screws for places the clamps won't fit into. Having a helper may make things easier, too, for lifting and setting the panel in place, and helping to ensure it doesn't move where you don't want it to while clamping. That extra set of eyes thing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on bead size, timing for work and cure, etc. If done correctly the joint will be stronger than the steel it's joining. It won't come apart, ever. It can save on the chance of warping and extra finish work from welding. Either way, a build thread would be interesting to see as you accomplish your task. Good luck with your project.
Thanks 52 Merc. I keep leaning towards adhesive. I can “weld”, but I consider myself a grinder not a welder.😂. It would be nice not to have a ton of warping up there. Looks like a project for this weekend. I’ll keep you posted.
I did mine - had a used top i bought on ebay. I found it much easier to do it like a top chop- cutting a inch or to down on a pillars- then at rear as you have done so far. My thread is below is very long- but you can look at it and see what I did.
Spent Friday fitting everything up. Glued on Saturday. Pulled the clamps today. Will have a little bit of body work along the back, but I don’t think nearly as much as I would have if I would have welded it.
