Another problem for the experts

**walker** · 21st September 2006, 05:23 PM

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.

mr_sav · 25th September 2006, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by walker

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

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

**Buggerluggs** · 25th September 2006, 08:48 AM

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.

**matbor** · 25th September 2006, 12:02 PM

what about using one of these to do the job

....

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

**walker** · 6th October 2006, 10:07 AM

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.

**disco_ute** · 6th October 2006, 10:45 AM

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!!

**86mud** · 6th October 2006, 01:15 PM

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

**spudboy** · 6th October 2006, 10:35 PM

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.

**harro** · 6th October 2006, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by landrovermick

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

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

They are a side of the road fix.

**walker** · 6th October 2006, 11:15 PM

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.

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