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So I'm at the point where I'm ready to install the screen prior to painting. I know the original screen was tack welded onto the metal frame, but I don't want to end up with a load of crappy spot welds that look like I did it myself. I don't have a reference as to what the factory welds looked like, but was wondering if I could achieve the same effect by using an adhesive like JB Weld or another similar product in the spot weld locations. Has anyone glued their screen on? Or is it really no problem to get a nice tack weld and not do a crappy job?
Before you decide, I'd practice with some chicken wire and a piece of sheet metal. You may like your own results.
I do have another screen I could use for practice if I can find a piece of flat steel. Welding would be a better, more permanent install for sure. I lack confidence for sure
On my brother's Rallye, there were holes where the missing screen mounted so he used flat head sheet metal screws to attached the new screen and painted them black. Still deciding to cover the hard to see screws with something pliable to make it seem the screen was welded on. One good thing about using screws is the screen can readily be removed and cleaned if debris enters the hood scoops, especially during the fall months. It also eliminates the possibility of accidently damaging the hood while welding. Not sure though if a previous owner drilled the holes or if all OAI hoods have them.
On my brother's Rallye, there were holes where the missing screen mounted so he used flat head sheet metal screws to attached the new screen and painted them black. Still deciding to cover the hard to see screws with something pliable to make it seem the screen was welded on. One good thing about using screws is the screen can readily be removed and cleaned if debris enters the hood scoops, especially during the fall months. It also eliminates the possibility of accidently damaging the hood while welding. Not sure though if a previous owner drilled the holes or if all OAI hoods have them.
I've had 4 different OAI hoods and none had any holes for screws, though that would sure be an easier way of doing things. I know the screen isn't just there for keeping debris out of the air cleaner, it is also an electromagnetic shield for the radio, so I'm somewhat concerned about the attachment and the metal to metal connection that should be between the hood frame and the screen. Maybe I just answered my own question and I need to start practicing on some screen and scrap steel....
As a follow up to this, I ended up using JB Weld to attach the screen to bare metal areas that I sanded clean on the underside. I overdid the application - when looking at original screens, there is just the tiniest bit of (solder?) that attaches the two together. I used about dime-size spots of JB and held them in place with a magnet until they were set. Going around the hood took about a day. Then a quick sand and I shot the hood with a satin black. Great adhesion and it got the job done in the absence of a welding device from the factory.
A little dab'll do ya - to the left of the lamp When the hood is painted, they just aren't that noticeable. I would use less in the future.
For something like that, you may want to look into using "structural adhesive", or panel bonding glue, like they use on new cars. Super strong, bonds metal easily, and quickly.
The worry with epoxy is that engine heat will break it down over time.
I read up on the JB Weld and it is supposed to withstand heat up to 500 degrees - I'm assuming my hood will never get more than 150 or so. I'll monitor the attaching points, though it's not really a daily driver. I imagine for my uses it will last forever since it's not exposed to UV under the hood, and it's under a couple layers of paint. I didn't think of the structural adhesive - I know my old Explorer was all panel glued together and I never had a problem. My only real regret is not trying a much smaller dab of the material to see if it would have held.
Funny as I started reading this thread JB Weld was the first thing to come to mind. It’s an excellent incredibly durable product. Bare in mind it takes 72 hours to fully cure. Nice job on the install. The other thought although more invasive was to drill, rivet and then JB Weld the rivet to hide it.
Funny as I started reading this thread JB Weld was the first thing to come to mind. It’s an excellent incredibly durable product. Bare in mind it takes 72 hours to fully cure. Nice job on the install. The other thought although more invasive was to drill, rivet and then JB Weld the rivet to hide it.
No one said anything about rivets. I was just thinking of another way of mounting the screen. Was just a thought and as mentioned was more invasive. Liked your approach with the JB Weld.
June 8th, 2019, 12:01 PM
