Ok... dont laugh...

Water based 'Hard as Nails' in a gun.. bond side or back pannel in place and wait to dry

Once cured bend edges over chassis and drill n rivet...

Any problems with that ???

Cheers

jon

I used Sikaflex (or similar PU glue) to seal the rear panel on my car, before I riveted. Nice and strong and keeps the water out - fine.

Then I decided to strip off the panel as I wasn't happy with it - bl**dy hard work!

So:

It's a good idea to use a sealant to keep the water out, and to prevent electrolytic corrosion.

Structurally, my own opinion is that any form of glue is unnecessary, and may make future repairs difficult.

However, I am sure that others will disagree, especially with the second point!

Adhesive sealant may be useful for helping to fix the floor (as long as you're not welding it, that is!)

David

I think the only panel that is structural is the floor and as David says, if it is not welded in then bonding with a panel adhesive as well as rivetting will add strength to the chassis. As far as the sides are concerned I don't think adhesive is necessary. I have owned two 40 year old Dellows and as far as I remember the side panels were not even rivetted they were dressed around the round chassis tube and that was quite sufficient. There can be a problem with electrolytic corrosion between aluminium and steel but if the chassis is painted this should provide a degree of insulation.

John
Rescued attachment MK1.jpg

Don't wait for the sealant / adhesive to dry before rivetting - best to pull the panels up tight while it is still flexible as you will get a closer fit.

The best way imo:

1. Predrill all holes using cleko pins for location
2. Remove panel & deburr
3. Apply PU adhesive
4. Fit & Rivet using cleko pins.
5. Clean off excess adhesive with meths (or you can cut it off with a sharp knife when set)

I wouldn't use hard as nails as it's not flexible. Bonding panels as well as rivetting helps to stop vibration & annoying "tizzing" noises

Electrolytic corrosion between steel and Aluminium is a serious problem, look at any aged land Rover or Range Rover. The door frames are passivated steel and a flexible strip is put between aluminium door skin and frame. After several years water will get between them and the panel bubbles and rots. If you intend to keep your car for a long time I would use sikaflex over a well painted steel frame, at least that's what I am doing!

Caber