Any thoughts on using panel adhesive for minor rust repairs instead of welding? If so any recommendation on a brand?
I believe that. I'm sure the manufacturers would like to be able to say their product can be used for structural applications. For instance - on my convertible when I put new inner rockers in I can't imagine that a row of spot welds along the top and bottom would be stronger than if I spread 3M panel bonding adhesive on the entire surface between the two. Plus all that adhesive would keep water out. My only hesitation on adhesive would be cold and hot cycles over years. My car would never get driven on a really cold day, but I don't know whether just getting to below zero temps, up to 100+ and then back over many years would degrade the adhesive over time. Maybe that's the real reason why they say don't use for structures. If the adhesive does eventually fail and someone gets hurt they would be liable. Plus any accelerated testing isn't quite the same as actually waiting years and seeing what happens to the adhesive.I have a friend that said when he was working in a body shop a Rep from one of the manufacturers(3m? I think) came in and demonstrated their panel bond. He said they bonded a panel at one point and welded it at another. He said the welds looked good, but when they put it through a stress test right there at the shop, the weld broke before the panel bond.
Makes you wonder about the structural aspect.
Yep me to. I glued a bedside on a dodge dakota this morninghere it goes. i work in a body shop and have glued many panels in place. I hear the the glue will hold stronger than a weld and some insurance companies do not want me or anyone else to glue anything in. When i glue something in i will use self tapping screws to hold it in place untill it cures.