I am contemplating using panel adhesive to "glue" in the perimeter of a front floor pan. I intend to spot weld the pinch weld in the rocker panel and also plug weld the panel to the under body support.
I feel that the adhesive would give a full perimeter bond and weather tight seal. Has anyone tried this, and what are the opinions of those familiar with the panel adhesives and their strengths and weaknesses?

Panel Adhesive can be used on "non-structural" panels. Floor panels are structural and take a great deal of stresses. I would not consider using any kind of adhesive. The conventional method of repair is to weld in the new panels and then use 3M Seam Sealer to seal the seams.

Hope it helps.

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Steve Soltesz
Something about me & Canadian Car's....
Team Chevelle Gold Member #37
64 Malibu SS (ZZ4/TH350, Show'n Go)
68 Beaumont (396/TH400 Street/Strip)
69 Beaumont (307/TH350)
80 Camaro (Mrs.64's 355/TH350 Show'n Go)
WebSite http://www.magma.ca/~ssoltesz (To be Updated Soon)

Odd that you mention this since I have ALWAYS used construction adhesive when bonding two sheets of metal. I feel that along with the primary bonding method, (rivets, sheet metal screws etc...), that it provides for a tighter and weather resistant seal...and also cuts down on possible squeeks. I have not had a panel fail yet. I highly recommend it.

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Joe G.
ChicagoChevelle68
Any car past 1972 is just simply transportation, really!

http://pages.about.com/chicagochevelle68/Welcome.html
josephguzman@yahoo.com (http://josephguzman@yahoo.com)
ICQ# 64752614

I recomend it too. I have done it with good results.When they say strucural they mean frame rails, window pillars ect.A floor pan on a unibody car can be considered structural,but not on a full framed chevelle.Its approved for quarter panels on new cars so i think a floor pan would be fine.I have used it on repair pans,but if you are installing a full floor or trunk pan welding may be easier because it can be a pain to clamp it at all the neccasary points at the same time.Also you must weld the panel to any floor supports that run underneath.

A couple of points have been brought up here. First, I would like to say that depending on how much you are replacing and where you are replacing you can get away with making "patches". To replace large sections it is allway's best to do it properly and weld everything together.

Maybe I'm just old fashioned but I would think that using glue is just not as good or as solid as a good weld.

Some Clarification: The General's concept for the A-Body in 1964 was to build the car as a uni-body construction but with the perimiter frame. This resulted in a very strong and rigid structure and this is why we all love the Velle's and their cousin's. This being the case, the floor's as well as several other areas are critical to structural intergrity. These can be compensated with Roll Cages etc... as we are building but the bottom line is your safety.

Hope it helps.


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Steve Soltesz
Something about me & Canadian Car's....
Team Chevelle Gold Member #37
64 Malibu SS (ZZ4/TH350, Show'n Go)
68 Beaumont (396/TH400 Street/Strip)
69 Beaumont (307/TH350)
80 Camaro (Mrs.64's 355/TH350 Show'n Go)
WebSite http://www.magma.ca/~ssoltesz (To be Updated Soon)

I agree with you on the size of the area being replaced.For a full floor or trunk its better to weld.But for replacement type pans
like the ones that would be a quarter of a floor pan i think adhesive with plug welds to the floor support is the way to go.You get a full bead all the way around, and also a weathertight seal.Also no warping and no toasting your headliner,dash ect.like with welding.I have heard that panel adhesive is actually stronger than a weld,something like a shear strength of 1500 psi.

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70 chevelle,400cid turbo400.blue with silver stripes.http://members.spree.com/entertainment/ochrisl/

Thanks for all of your responses. I am actually working on my 57 Wagon right now. Hard to believe how heavy a metal they used in the older cars! I'm replacing just the driver's floor pan, how much overlap should there be when using the adhesive?
My 67 300 Deluxe has to wait it's turn!