Hi All,
I'm working on my daily driver chevelle (71), trying to keep cost down by doing as much as I can without paying someone. Bodywork, Never done it. I'd like to try to learn and I figure this would be a good car to try it out on.
Here is my question: I have a few bad areas that need to be cut out and replaced with fender patch panels. I don't weld so I was thinking of pop riveting instead. I did a search and couldn't find anything on this subject. Has anyone done this before? Or know if it works ok? Any input would be great.
I saw an episode on Horse Power TV but could use some more information.

Joel

Another option is a new high tech adheasive that bodyshop are using. When I had my car repainted ( Jan/Feb 1999 ) the body shop used the adheasive to put small patches on my doors and fenders. Check with bodyshop supply stores as they should have it.

Good Luck,



------------------
Bill Taylor
TC Gold Member #73
December 1999 Feature Car
www.chevelles.com/feature/december99.htm (http://www.chevelles.com/feature/december99.html)
www.chevelles.com/showroom/BillTSS70-2 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/BillTSS70-2)
www.chevelles.com/showroom/leaves2 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/leaves2)

Thanks Bill
I searched for the adheasive and found it. Looks like you have to use both the adheasive and the rivets.

Joel

Has anyone used this?

Yes I have used Daynomix small patc pannel glue. It was on my 65 El Camino. thay do not make replacemt 1/4 and car 1/4s are to short and have no gas tank doors and the wheel wels are different. So I peiced together
5 parts. welding and the edges and glueing the major seams. SO far So good !!!
Wayne KLine
ACES 1556
TCg

------------------

I have done the pop rivet deal way back in the 70's for pretty much the same reason you are. It didnt work. The rivets will work loose from just normal vibration and show through your body putty. I do not have any experience with high tech adhesives but I know thats how the newer Corvettes are held together. Do not get discoureged it is a large project. Remember everyone had to start somewhere
Good Luck
Jeff Palazzolo

I'm gonna be forced to use this method for the rust above my window channels. The guy that owned the car before me had the headliner replaced without repairing these areas, and I hate to trash a $200 headliner job for a little bit of welding.

I received a Sears "Auto Shop" catalog with lots of nice kits. One of the kits comes with a 1/8" punch, dimpler, crimper, sealer, and filler. Looks like a good way to assure a very strong repair. I might get one of them.

Also, JC Whitney sells patch panels for just a few bucks. I think 36" x 48" is around $12. Perfect for flat metal repairs.

------------------
My Elky Page (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Strip/4523/ElkyPage.html)
"Even the professionals had to do it once for the first time."
Chad Landry
TC Member #643
'68 El Camino

Joel,

Glad you found the adhesive. The shop that did my car did not use pop rivets. The fenders and doors were off the car so they were able to clamp the pieces in place.

Good luck,

Bill