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Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:45 pm

I am replacing my rocker panel & am trying to use 3m panel bonding adhesive. Is the rocker panel considered a structural member. Is it ok to use panel adhesive?what about side panel? Or should I spot weld?
Any help is appreciated.

Sun Aug 21, 2022 9:00 pm

panel bond is NOT for use in this application.

time to bust out the welder

Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:03 am

Got a pic of what you need to replace?

Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:45 am

No photos, no responses, no advice.

Duncan

Mon Aug 22, 2022 8:19 am

Will post pics as soon as I am able. I am replacing outer rocker panel not inner rocker panel, I assume the inner is structural but outer dosent seem to be.

I will take more pics of current work asap.

Mon Aug 22, 2022 8:35 am

Rocker panel view need to zoom pic to see

Mon Aug 22, 2022 12:18 pm

Latest pic

Mon Aug 22, 2022 12:59 pm

both are structural especially since the trailing arm also ties in at the same point. i just made a batch of rocker skins for a VW guy local who does a ton of repair work, my suggestion is to mig them in with lots of littel tack welds, not overheating is the most importnat thing. if you miss a weld just move on to the next one and allow the missed weld to fully cool before you try to hit it again. good luck.

Mon Aug 22, 2022 4:45 pm

outcaststudios wrote: both are structural especially since the trailing arm also ties in at the same point. i just made a batch of rocker skins for a VW guy local who does a ton of repair work, my suggestion is to mig them in with lots of littel tack welds, not overheating is the most importnat thing. if you miss a weld just move on to the next one and allow the missed weld to fully cool before you try to hit it again. good luck.

Would you be interested in making some panels out of ss?

Mon Aug 22, 2022 5:01 pm

Is side panel structural or can it be glued? Only replacing from waist down to rocker panel.

Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:43 pm

my buddy who runs a shop had me make just the skin about 4 inches up, as that is the most common area to go bad, i used really nice, high carbon steel sheet, stainless is total overkill, but if you want to pay to have them made id be down, its pricey. i made a run of about 25 skins last time. they fit perfectly and the lip that hangs down is the proper length , as opposed to some other more common panels i have purchased where you have to buy a larger section and cut out what you need for that area ,those usually have a lip that is a bit longer and then needs trimmed. these dont. we sell tehm to him for about 75$ each which is slightly more expensive than some others available, easier install and less cleanup afterwards.

Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:50 pm

pushkick wrote: Is side panel structural or can it be glued? Only replacing from waist down to rocker panel.

when you say 'side panel' i assume you mean on the drivers side above the rocker skins? that is not structural,there are internal pieces, but its a large flat area ( larege flat areas dont like to be welded too hot or they buckle and twist) and the lower seam is an entry point for water/rot over time,so i use seam sealer on them, still doesnt hurt to tack everything in place , especially considering that they are tin cans on a good day. the stronger the better. also the internal rocker skin should be addressed while you have the outer skin off.

Mon Aug 22, 2022 8:00 pm

outcaststudios wrote: my buddy who runs a shop had me make just the skin about 4 inches up, as that is the most common area to go bad, i used really nice, high carbon steel sheet, stainless is total overkill, but if you want to pay to have them made id be down, its pricey. i made a run of about 25 skins last time. they fit perfectly and the lip that hangs down is the proper length , as opposed to some other more common panels i have purchased where you have to buy a larger section and cut out what you need for that area ,those usually have a lip that is a bit longer and then needs trimmed. these dont. we sell tehm to him for about 75$ each which is slightly more expensive than some others available, easier install and less cleanup afterwards.

How much for a ss prototype skin?
Where you located?

Tue Aug 23, 2022 2:24 pm

metallurgy of SS to carbon steel is different. Make sure you research welding the 2 together, 309 wire etc.

Tue Aug 23, 2022 4:01 pm

we cant really make just one, i mean we can but you'd have to buy a full sheet,pay for the time setting up the break and shear etc, and would end up paying a lot more. im on the east coast,back and forth between Maine and Pa.

Sat Aug 27, 2022 3:39 pm

outcaststudios wrote: we cant really make just one, i mean we can but you'd have to buy a full sheet,pay for the time setting up the break and shear etc, and would end up paying a lot more. im on the east coast,back and forth between Maine and Pa.

316 ss give me a price. By the time I remove old panel repair what has rusted then rust primer/ encapsulate paint. Your price can't be all that expensive. I am willing to pay more never to do this again.

Fri Sep 16, 2022 5:39 pm

Would you use 3m structural adhesive(07333) on outer rocker panel instead of spot welding?

Fri Sep 16, 2022 10:27 pm

pushkick wrote: Would you use 3m structural adhesive(07333) on outer rocker panel instead of spot welding?

NO

that is used in conjunction with spot welding. from the TDS sheet:

14. Perform Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding in appropriate areas while
the adhesive is uncured. DO NOT attempt to MIG weld through the
adhesive. Set rivets or other fasteners while the adhesive is still uncured,
typically within 2 hours of adhesive application.

if you want to do a proper repair get it out of your head you are going to glue this thing back together. it's not a 1:24 model kit

Fri Sep 16, 2022 10:28 pm

I don't think it makes sense to use SS skin.
It could be a can of worms that sacrifices other sections of the van (as the next cathode).
Better to just use steel, seal it well, and ensure the wetness problem is solved.

It's either water leakage or condensation that's unable to dry.
Condensation problems require better ventilation.

Sat Sep 17, 2022 6:16 am

skills@eurocarsplus wrote: pushkick wrote: Would you use 3m structural adhesive(07333) on outer rocker panel instead of spot welding?

NO

that is used in conjunction with spot welding. from the TDS sheet:

14. Perform Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding in appropriate areas while
the adhesive is uncured. DO NOT attempt to MIG weld through the
adhesive. Set rivets or other fasteners while the adhesive is still uncured,

If I am going to spot weld the outer rocker panel to the inner rocker panel . The only place this is possible is the bottom flange/lip where the 2 panels meet. The side flanges where they join other panels & the top portion which joins to side panel could be glued? Are you saying use adhesive then spot weld before glue sets on the bottom flanges? This is my first attempt at this dont want to have to do all over again due to screwing things up. Any advice is appreciated.
typically within 2 hours of adhesive application.

if you want to do a proper repair get it out of your head you are going to glue this thing back together. it's not a 1:24 model kit