I've got a 74 hatchback that until recently had a vinyl top. After stripping off the top, I discovered several holes in the roof just above the drip rail on the passenger's side. The holes are big enough to stick a finger through and the rail is pretty rusty too.
Has anyone repaired similar damage & if so, how? I have a parts car, but the body is in too good a shape to trim an inch worth of roof (along with the drip rail) off. Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks in advance, Rick
I would cut away an inch all the way around the hole up to the rail to ensure all of the rust is removed, then weld sheet metal in from the inside and fiberglass over the outside to make it flush. It is a lot of work, but well worth it in the end if you plan on having the car for awhile.
Check out this link...this is perfect for any kind of body work, or attaching. This is the same stuff that companies use on new cars, or repairs. It works GREAT! Lifetime repairs, military hummers are put together with this stuff!!
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230 GE3E02LECFTDQC EK3_nid=5JC00C8X80beDDC4KLKK5Wgl
I used this to put a sheet metal roof on a '33 Dodge coup for a friend, and you can't get it off without a tourch! It's easy, all you have to do is grind the rust off, cut your sheet metal, glue it in place, and bondo or glass to feather it in, and then paint.
Ypur local paint store can give you more info on this, and might even carry it.
Dan.
Or cut a piece of sheet metal 2" larger than the repair and epoxy it to the inside, let that cure then grind the outside and use Duraglass it's forever...
I think the specific Duramix kit that PintoDriver is talking about is this one:
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=5JC00C8X80beDDC4KLKK5Wgl
I saved the link after he posted it a few months ago. ;D
This is what I am considering on using for my floor pan.
That's It! :hypno:
Thanks
Thanks fellas, I'll look into the dura-mix solution. The links provided took me to the 3m catalog & not to a specific type of dura-mix. I've used two different types for plastic repair. Is there a different blend for metal bonding, or is it all the same?
Rick
This is the link to the stuff that I used on a friend's roof.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=5JC00C8X80beDDC4KLKK5Wgl (http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=5JC00C8X80beDDC4KLKK5Wgl)
You also need the gun that they show in the picture. It's a special gun, some paint stores carry this glue and even rent the gun.