Sottering Cab Repair kit???

[87454westernhauler]

Probably a dumb idea but I have been thinking about replacing the floor pan, cab corner and rockers on my 80 1/2 ton. the only problem with doing that is that I do not have a welder. my question it, could I just sotter the new cab part in or would that be a very bad idea??

[4x4orbust]

it's "solder" not sotter.....    sorry, i'm a spelling nazi sometimes.   

i don't think it would hold for very long, but i have never tried it.   if you are doing it temporarily untill you get a welder, rivet the patches in.

[Blazin]

Its won't hold. If anything you can braze the patches in. Before welders thats how all body work was done.

[slammed79]

The Solder won't hold, as stated. There is of course riviting, and once I jb welded some shaved door handle fillers in. I think they're still in the truck, but I haven't seen it in a while

[ssapach]

Its won't hold. If anything you can braze the patches in. Before welders thats how all body work was done.

x2 on the brazing.  Brazing can actually be very strong and bonds to lots of metals and will join different base metals....even dirty metal (to an extent).

[bobcooter]

I knew an old man back in Alabama who could braze floor pans back in using coat hangers. He did a car for me once and it turned out great.

[ssapach]

I knew an old man back in Alabama who could braze floor pans back in using coat hangers. He did a car for me once and it turned out great.

not actually brazing if it was coat hangers, but rather plain old oxy-acetylene welding (or another fuel gas welding).  You can practically use anything that is steel for oxy-acet welding.  Things like coat hangers, nails, barbed wire......its not all made for filler metal, but it definately works in a pinch

Just for the record, proper filler rods have additives and deoxidizers and such, allowing cleaner and stronger welds.  But like I said, in a pinch almost anything will work.

[beastie_3]

ya but I dont think that when welding body parts, you should do something "in a pinch" IMO

[PromiseKeeper]

I see where the body shop supply places are selling an epoxy that actually glues the metal in. I hear it does a good job and of course no warping.

[VileZambonie]

You'd be better off with panel bond adhesive but as the old saying goes, do it right the first time. Save up for a welder or bring it to a body shop.

[tsroark]

I have been debating mentally weather I should find a replacement cab for my truck or just get a repair kit.  I personally don't have a welder but can borrow an arc welder, but would have to practice a bit with the welding.

Riviting was mentioned above.  I can do that, but would i just be able to cut out the bad spots and rivit in new floorboards, rockers, corners, floor supports?  Would the panels line up or would the cab warp a bit due to the overlap?

Thanks