Another problem for the experts

If anyone else is interested, here is a great site about spot welding using a MIG welder. Main problem is you need a good MIG with minimum 200A.

http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/MIG_handbook/592mig11_1.htm

I think I already have one of those special tips so i will give it a test tomorrow and see how it goes. If it works it should save a lot of time.

If it does not wrk then I think I will use plug welds to attach the sheets.

I have heard about that sealing tape but I want to use the sikaflex as it is easier to put on and I am using it more as an adhesive than as a sealer.

I will silicon up all the inside for sealing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by walker

Does anyone know what they do on the "expensive" off-road campers like Kimberly etc?

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For the Price, I dare say they are gold plated.

Adam,

Kimberly use a moulded plastic liner which they stick to the tub and sandwich between the top rail and canvas. Theres a good description on their web pages. Bit over the top for a home made job.

what about using one of these to do the job :D :D ....

http://www.dansworkshop.com/Homebuil...20welder.shtml

Again on the topic of attaching the body panels to the trailer.

Has anyone had any experience with Sikaflex?

I was told that I should be able to fix on the steel panles ONLY with Sikaflex. I sent an email to the technical department with all the details of what I was doing and using and they have replied that there would be no problems using Sikaflex without rivets or welding. They recommend using Sikaflex 252.

I am sure they are right but it just doesnt feel righ not welding on the steel panels. But if I can do it it would be a lot neater and easier. I also read somewhere that it is better because it allows the panels to flex a bit and stops stress cracking.

if u are going to use sikaflex then don’t spray that tub liner stuff i used as it dries rock had and will crack apart if any movement!! When i was looking for work utes i noticed all the tubs had some sort of sikaflx type stuff between them... maybe contact a few panel beaters and ask them what they use between the joins of body panels inarticulate tubs o utes an then IMO I would pop rivet and or weld them just t be safe!!

Check out this site http://www.robgray.com/motorhomes/index.htm

This mad guy build an unbelievable motorhome. He used aluminium checkerplate attached by rivets and a 3M brand tape double sided tape...

I used the same process on my off road trailer. But I did have a few rivets crack on the Plenty Highway....just carried the rivet gun a few rivets in the tool box.

Cheers

Wow - That RobGray truck is something else! Not sure that he's going to get $350K for it, but I can see that he;s spent a bomb on building it. Good work.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by landrovermick

yes but pop rivits are easier to fix on the side of the road....

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Sikaflex for the seal and steel pop rivets for the join.

They are a side of the road fix.

Yes they are....but I don't like pop rivets. I think I will stick the panels on with Sikaflex which should be ok on it's own but then add some spot welds as well.
If I carry a battery drill and pop rivets I can still do a side of the road fix.