Replacing panel advice

[cassandra]

Please read my original post properly before you all criticize. Welding down the outside of a seem is always a last resort if access to the original welds is impossible. Also please remember that replicating the original is not always the correct repair method, I have just replaced the boot floor and rear panels on a BMW Z4 and the correct repair method involves glue and rivets NOT spot welding even though the original panels were spot welded together! BMW even supply the two pack glue and rivets!

[jhobson]

I'm only on my phone but search the last half dozen builds I've done , every type of join you wish is pictoraly covered
Or maybe some one can link you, spotting or ither is nearly always from the rear , there us no valid excuse for welding down a seam save laziness/lack of knowledge/skill,
mm

I've been through a lot of your builds... great info and thanks for taking the time. I still have doubts about how to do some welds. At the moment I guess my rule of thumb is to plug weld lap joints.


I'm not completely convinced that if the factory did it then it must be best. Certainly this is the only option if you are 'restoring' but it doesn't necessarily mean it is the only good way to do things.
Flexible joints - I hadn't considered that at all. I can imagine this could be important.

[Plasticman]

there were reasons the factory did things the way they did, and i cant think of many areas that you cant get to the back off,
if you post up a specific part you wish to join etc i can suggest with pickies a few ways to consider,
mm