Preferred tools for panel fitting

[Ohmthis]

I have a 66 F100 that I plan to work on soon. I had already planned to have it in my garage, but life has gotten in the way. So since I have time to dream and plan I came across a question. I see Clecos used as well as sheet metal screws for holding panels into place while fitting. Both penetrate both pieces of sheet so there isn’t much there. Which do you use and why. Please give me cons to both also if you like one vs the other. Thanks all

 

[ericlar80]

Have you seen these? They are used when you **** two panels up to each other.
https://www.eastwood.com/intergrip-panel-clamps-set-of-4.html

It also helps to use a copper welding spoon to keep the joint from blowing through while welding.
https://www.amazon.com/Welding-Curved-Cooper-Spoon-Dimpled/dp/B006ZBAQRK/

 

[Kevin54]

Cleco's are quick, and screws are cheap. If you are going to fit up panels for years to come, invest in Clecos. But for one or two jobs...sheetmetal screws. Clecos are mainly used for mocking up panels where the panels have to come on and off for fitment and/or modification. A great asset to have depending on how much work you do. I worked in the aircraft industry and we used them quite often, but other than that.....

 

[iajonesy]

X two on clecos. They are the best.

Mike

 

[Spareparts]

No panel overlap, just a place for rust to start, cut to fit and **** weld

 

[mikhett]

I don't like the Eastwood ones.The gap they leave is too big to weld and you want a tight fit up!

 

[willymakeit]

**** weld. I used and liked a lipping tool.
Easy to make hard to describe but works well.

 

[Ohmthis]

Thanks all! I will be **** welding most of the parts, but for alignment and positioning prior to is what I’ll be using these two fasteners for. I already have the panel clamps and I agree with Mikhett, they do leave a pretty decent sized gap.

 

[bad_idea]

Sheet metal screws - cheap and easy. I did the floor pans in my 79 Camaro. **** welded the patch panels. Worked out an efficient method to get great gaps. Fit the new panel with about a 1/2" overlap all the way around. Zip the two panels together with sheet metal screws. Cut along the edge of the new panel with a thin cutting wheel, .045" IIRC. Cut about a foot or so, strip the lapped piece off the backside of the new panel, and start tacking. By cutting and tacking as you go using the new panel as a guide to cut the old one you get a precise gap all the way around the panel. You have to have access to the backside of the panel for this to work.

A small pneumatic angle grinder adds some precision, along with a die grinder.

 

[Ohmthis]

Sheet metal screws - cheap and easy. I did the floor pans in my 79 Camaro. **** welded the patch panels. Worked out an efficient method to get great gaps. Fit the new panel with about a 1/2" overlap all the way around. Zip the two panels together with sheet metal screws. Cut along the edge of the new panel with a thin cutting wheel, .045" IIRC. Cut about a foot or so, strip the lapped piece off the backside of the new panel, and start tacking. By cutting and tacking as you go using the new panel as a guide to cut the old one you get a precise gap all the way around the panel. You have to have access to the backside of the panel for this to work.

A small pneumatic angle grinder adds some precision, along with a die grinder.

Thank you for your insight!

 

[gte718p]

Rare earth magnets

 

[MP&C]

All of the above! I've used the Eastwood **** clamps, but don't like the gap. I've seen some file out a slot so the panel will close tightly, but this leaves quite a large spot to fill in afterward. When I have used the **** weld clamps I tend to use them for holding a panel in fitup only. They get removed once you start tacking so the panels are butted tightly together. As you work from one end of the seam to the other during the tacking stage, remove the **** weld clamps as you go the allow the panels to come together.


In a similar fashion, try the new product "grippers" by Ben's Metalshaping. These use a single small hole for the draw stud nearby the seam, and do a very good job of holding the panels tight while you tack between Grippers. Once removed, you have a small hole to fill. Videos showing their use on FB, IG, and YouTube.


Then there's c-clamp vise grips of various depths. they will hold panels together nicely, providing you have enough depth in the jaws..

Rare earth magnets (but don't get too close with the arc/heat...)

As I tell my guys (and girl) working in the shop, everything is a tool. You have to see the possible solution in each item.

 

[Kaizen]

Thank you for your insight!

I use a body saw to cut through both panels. Gap is perfect for small mig wire.
Sheet metal screws here. Reusable and no special tool needed.


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